-7* 


FROM   THE   LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/childsbookOOmurr 


(^  JAN  30  1934  " 
BOOK    OF\DEVOTIOjNj  s 


OB 


PRAYERS   AND    INSTRUCTIONS 

IN    VERSE, 

SUITED  TO  THE  VARIOUS  RELATIONS  AND 

CONDITIONS  OF  CHILDHOOD 

AND  YOUTH. 


IX  TWO  PARTS. 


Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not.    Mark  x.  14. 

yy 

BY  JOHN  A.   MURRAY. 


WITH    AN  INTRODUCTION  BY    REV.    WI.    BATTON,    D.   D. 

NEW  YORK : 
M  .  W  .  D  O  D  D  , 

JUVENILE    AND    SUNDAY    SCHOOL    BOOKSELLER,      BRICK 
CHURCH    CHAPEL. 

1841. 


Entered   according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1839,   by 

John  A.  Murray, 
52  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  D» 

trict  of  New  York. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Mr.  John  S.  Taylor, 

The  manuscript  of  the  little  work  called  the 
child's  book  of  devotion  "  I  have  examined  with  great 
pleasure.  The  publication  of  these  short  prayers  in 
verse,  adapted  to  the  capacity  of  children,  I  regard 
with  peculiar  interest.  This  volume  is  intended  to 
supply  that  of  which  religious  parents  have  long  felt 
their  need — experimental  piety  in  the  attractive  dress 
of  poetry.  This  volume,  in  addition  to  the  short 
prayers  for  little  children  and  young  persons,  has  in- 
terspersed short  addresses,  also  in  verse.  It  contains  up- 
wards of  one  hundred  little  prayers,  about  one  hall 
of  which  are  original  and  the  others  selected  from 
various  authors.  They  all  abound  with  scriptural 
thoughts.  I  find  upon  examination  that  there  are 
morning  and  evening  prayers  for  infant  children — and 
infant's  prayers  for  his  parent's,  brothers,  sisters,  &c. 
Morning  and  evening  prayers  for  young  persons — for 
every  day  in  the  week,  and  for  particular  occasions. 
There  are  prayers  for  children  in  different  stages  of 
conviction — prayers  to  guard  them  against  particular 
sins — for  their  birth-da] — when  sick — when  recover- 
ing— when  dying — and  for  various  states  of  chris- 
tian exp<  rience. 

I  consider    the    publication  of  this    volume    as  of 


IV  INTRODUCTION. 

great  value  to  christian  families,  and  rendering  them 
an  important  aid  in  the  proper  training  of  their  chil- 
dren. We  all  are  aware  of  the  fact,  that  the  young 
more  easily  commit  verses  to  memory  than  prose  ;  and 
that  they  are  much  more  interested  in  poetry,  adapt- 
ed to  their  capacity,  than  with  any  other  species  of 
composition. 

With  the  author  I  have  enjoyed  an  intimate  ac- 
quaintance for  many  years,  and  I  am  happy  publickly 
to  bear  my  testimony  to  his  great  worth,  for  piety, 
talent,  and  devoted  attachment  to  the  cause  of  the 
Redeemer.  His  heart,  especially  since  he  has  been  a 
father,  has  been  much  turned  upon  the  early  conver- 
sion of  children.  The  present  volume  is  the  result  of 
much  thought  and  prayer,  and  has  for  its  command- 
ing object  the  salvation  of  the  rising  generation.  I 
can  cordially  commend  it  to  Zion's  friends,  and  mine. 

Yours  in  the  Lord, 
New  York,  Feb.  27.  1839.  Wm.  Patton. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

This  book  was  commenced  through  a  conviction 
that  one  of  this  description  was  needed  in  Christian 
families.  About  half  the  matter  is  selected.  Most 
of  the  pieces,  however,  are  now  published  for  the  first 
time  ;  some  of  them  being  purely  scripture  thought 
thrown  into  rhymeless  verse.  With  the  prayer  that 
the  Hearer  of  Prayer  would  bless  this  effort  "Zo  per- 
fect the  praise  of  babes  and  sucklings"  it  is  commend- 
ed to  the  consideration  of  parents,  and  to  the  use  of 
little  children   and  young  persons,  for  whom   it  has 

been  prepared. 

J.  A.  M. 

Geneva,  July  4.   1838. 


THE  CHILD'S 

BOOK  OF  DEVOTION. 
PART  I. 


1 .      Evening  Prayer  for  an  Infant  Child. 

(selected.) 

Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 

0  that  God  my  Soul  would  keep : 
Should  I  die  before  I  wake, 

1  pray  the  Lord  my  Soul  to  take. — Amen. 


Morning  Prayer  for  an  Infant  Child. 

Lord,  from  sleep  I  now  awake, 

Kept  alive  for  Jesus'  sake 

Now  my  heart  I  ought  to  give 

To  him  who  died  that  I  might  live. 

Saviour,  take  this  heart  of  mine, 

Make  it  good,  and  own  it  thine. — Amen. 


THE    CHILD  S 

Infant's  Prayer.     Selected  fy  altered. 

Jesus,  Saviour,  Son  of  God, 
Who  for  me  life's  journey  trod ; 
Who  for  me  became  a  child ; 
Make  me  humble,  good  and  mild. 

Thy  little  lamb,  O  let  me  be  ; 
Saviour,  I  would  follow  thee ; 
Keep  me  very  near  thy  side ; 
In  thy  fold  let  me  abide. — Amen. 


4.  Infant's  Prayer.     Selected. 

Jesus,  Shepherd,  please  to  watch  me, 
Guard  me  both  by  night  and  day ; 

Pity  show  to  little  children, 

Who,  like  lambs,  too  often  stray. 

Jesus,  I  am  prone  to  wander, 

Please  to  keep  me  from  each  snare ; 

Teach  my  infant  heart  to  praise  thee, 
For  thy  kindness  and  thy  care. — Amen, 


5.  The  Lord's  Prayer. 

Father,  who  art  in  heaven, 
All  hallowed  be  thy  name  ; 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION. 

Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done, 
On  earth  as  done  in  heaven. 

Give  us  this  day  our  bread, 
Forgive  us  ail  our  sin  ; 
As  we,  when  wronged  and  sinned  against, 
Do  from  our  hearts  forgive. 

Lead  us  not  into  sin  ; 
Deliver  us  from  harm  ; 
For  thine's  the  kingdom,  glory,  power, 
For  evermore. — Amen. 


6.  Infant  Consecration. 

O  Lord,  my  infant  heart, 
To  thee  I  now  resign  ; 
Lord,  here's  my  heart — I  give  it  thee, 
To  be  forever  thine. — Amen. 


7.     Evening  Prayer  for  a  Young  Child. 

Saviour,  now  the  day  is  o'er, 
On  a  child  thy  blessing  pour 
Wash  me  in  thy  dying  blood, 
Pardon  mv  sin  and  make  me  good. 

Let  my  head  lean  on  thy  breast, 
While  in  sleep  I  sweetly  rest ; 


10  THE    CHILD'S 

On  me  keep  thy  watchful  eye, 
Lest  I  suffer,  faint  and  die. 

Wake  me  in  the  morn  again, 

Free  from  evil,  free  from  pain : 

Make  me  very  pure  and  mild ; 

Own  me   Saviour,  for  thy  child. — Ame?i 


8.  Encouragement. 

Dear  child,  would'st  see  the  Saviour's  face, 

And  his  great  mercy  gain  ? 
Then  while  yet  young  seek  thou  his  grace  ; 

It  shall  not  be  in  vain. 


Morning  Prayer  for  a  Young  Child. 

Saviour,  hear  a  little  child, 
Offer  thee  a  morning  prayer  ; 

Change  my  heart,  and  make  it  mild, 
That  all  may  see  thy  image  there. 

Didst  thou  hear  my  evening  prayer 
And  let  me  sleep  upon  thy  breast  ? 

Was  my  health  and  life  thy  care, 
That  in  sleep  I  sweet  did  rest  ? 

Hast  thou  washed  me  in  thy  blood  ? 
Hast  thou  cleansed  me  from  all  sin  ? 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  11 

Jesus,  thy  atoning  blood 

Can  make  all  pure  and  clean  within. 

Saviour,  change  this  heart  of  mine  ; 

Redeem  and  save  me  through  thy  blood ; 
Pardon  mv  sin,  and  own  me  thine, 

And  make  me  holy,  wise  and  good. 

Amen. 


10.  Little  Child? s  Prayer  for  an  Infant  Sister. 

Saviour,  bless  my  infant  sister, 
Count  her  with  thy  little  lambs  ; 

Spare  her  life  ;  a  Christian  make  her, 
Write  her  name  on  thy  pierced  hands. 

May  she  early  know  thy  love, 

And  reign  at  last  with  thee  above. — Amen. 


10*.     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  an  Infant 
Brother. 

Saviour,  bless  my  infant  brother, 
Count  him  with  thy  little  lambs  ; 

Spare  his  life  ;  a  Christian  make  him  ; 
Write  his  name  on  thy  pierced  hands. 

May  he  early  know  thy  love, 

And  reign  at  last  with  thee  above.      Amen. 


12 

1 1 .     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  a  Brother. 

Saviour,  bless  my  much  loved  brother, 
May  he  know  and  love  thy  word  ; 

May  he  do  much  good  to  others, 
And  long  live  to  serve  the  Lord ; 

And  when  thou  shalt  call  him  home, 
In  thy  likeness  let  him  come. — Amen. 


11*.  Little  Child's  Prayer  for  his  Brothers. 

Saviour,  bless  my  much  loved  brothers, 
May  they  know  and  love  thy  word  ; 

May  they  do  much  good  to  others, 
And  long  live  to  serve  the  Lord  ; 

And  when  thou  shalt  call  them  home, 

Like  shocks  of  corn,  O  let  them  come. 

Amen. 


12.     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  his  Sisters. 

Let  my  sisters  live  before  thee  ; 

Grant  them,  Lord,  a  gracious  heart, 
So  that  here  they  may  adore  thee, 

And  to  others  good  impart. 
Holy,  useful,  may  they  be, 
Here  and  through  eternity. — Amen. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  13 

12*.     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  a  Sister. 

Let  my  sister  live  before  thee  ; 

Grant  her,  Lord,  a  gracious  heart, 
So  that  here  she  may  adore  thee. 

And  to  others  good  impart. 
Holy,  useful,  may  she  be, 
Here  and  through  eternity. — Amen. 


13.     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  his  Parents. 

Saviour,  when  thou  wast  a  child, 
Thou  didst  feel  a  parent's  love  ; 

0  then  on  my  parents  pour 

Thy  richest  blessings  from  above ; 

The  kindness  that  they  show  to  me, 

Regard,  O  Lord,  as  done  to  thee  ; 

And  when  they  die  make  heaven  their  home ; 

And  there  may  all  their  children  come. 

Amen. 


13*.     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  a  Mother. 

Saviour,  when  thou  wast  a  child, 
Thou  didst  feel  a  mother's  love  ; 

0  then  on  my  mother  pour 

Thy  richest  blessings  from  above  ; 
2 


14  THE    CHILD'S 

The  kindness  that  she  shews  to  me, 
Regard,  0  Lord,  as  done  to  thee. 
And  when  she  dies  make  heaven  her  home  ; 
And  there  may  all  her  children  come. 

Amen, 


3f.     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  a  Father. 

Saviour,  when  thou  wast  a  child, 

Thou  didst  feel  a  father's  love  ; 
0  then  on  my  father  pour 

Thy  richest  blessings  from  above. 
The  kindness  that  he  shews  to  me, 
Regard,  0  Lord,  as  done  to  thee ; 
And  when  he  dies  make  heaven  his  home  ; 
And  there  may  all  his  children  come. — Amen, 


14.  Child's  Prayer  for  his  Grand- Parents. 

Saviour,  my  grand-parents  bless, 

Guide  them  through  this  vale  of  tears ; 

Let  the  fruits  of  holiness 

Beautify  and  crown  their  years. 

Free  from  fear,  and  grief  and  care, 
May  they  give  themselves  to  prayer; 
And  at  last  at  thy  right  hand, 
In  thy  likeness  may  they  stand. — Amen. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  15 

14.#  Little  Child's  Prayer* 

Lord,  children  to  thee  came, 
Thy  blessing  to  entreat ; 
Why  may  not  I  now  do  the  same, 
Before  thy  mercy  seat  ? 

Although  not  now  below, 

We  know  thy  holy  will ; 

To  thee  may  little  children  go, 

And  seek  a  blessing  still. 

If  many  years  ago, 
Children  thy  pity  drew, 
I'm  sure,  if  I  now  come  to  thee, 
I'll  have  a  blessing  too. 

Now  to  thy  throne  above, 
My  little  hands  I  spread  ; 
Lord  Jesus,  from  thy  seat  of  love, 
Pour  blessings  on  my  head. — Amen. 


15.  Prayer  for  a  very  little  Child.    Selected 
and  altered. 

0  that  it  were  my  chief  delight, 
To  do  the  things  I  ought ; 

•  Altered  from   the  hymn,  "  Young  children  once  to  Jesus 
came." 


16 


Lord,  let  me  try,  with  all  my  might, 
To  mind  what  I  am  taught. 

Wherever,  Lord,  I'm  told  to  go, 

0  make  me  quick  obey ; 

Nor  may  I  mind  it  much,  although 

1  leave  a  pretty  play. 

When  bid,  O  make  me  quickly  bring 

Whatever  I  have  got ; 
And  may  I  never  touch  a  thing, 

If  mother  tells  me  not. 

And  when  I  learn  my  hymns  to  say, 

And  learn  to  work  and  spell ; 
Keep  me  from  thinking  of  my  play, 

And  make  me  do  it  well. 

When  thou  look'st  down  from  heaven  so  high, 

Our  actions  to  behold  ; 
Lord,  smile  on  me,  when  hard  I  try 

To  do  as  I  am  told. — Amen. 


16.  Child'' s  Prayer.     Selected. 

Lord,  teach  a  little  child  to  pray ; 

Thy  grace  betimes  impart ; 
And  grant  thy  Holy  Spirit  may 

Renew  mv  infant  heart. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  17 

A  fallen  creature  I  was  born, 

And  from  my  birth  I  strayed ; 
I  must  be  wretched  and  forlorn, 

Without  thy  mercy's  aid. 

But  Christ  can  all  my  sins  forgive, 

And  wash  away  their  stain  ; 
Can  fit  my  soul  with  him  to  live, 

And  in  his  kingdom  reign. 

To  him  let  little  children  come, 

For  he  hath  said  they  may  ; 
His  bosom  then  shall  be  their  home  ; 

Their  tears  he'll  wipe  away. 

For  all  who  early  seek  his  face, 

Shall  surely  taste  his  love  ; 
Jesus  shall  guide  them  by  his  grace, 

To  dwell  with  him  above. — Amen. 


17.   Child's  Prayer  for  sincerity.     Selected. 

Lord,  oft  I  say  my  prayers, 
But  do  I  ever  pray  ? 
Or,  do  the  wishes  of  my  heart 
Agree  with  what  I  say  ? 

Sure  it  is  vain  to  pray, 
Unless  I  feel  my  need ; 
2* 


18  THE    CHILD  S 

Unless  'tis  from  a  sense  of  want, 
That  all  my  prayers  proceed. 

I  may  as  well  kneel  down, 
And  worship  dolls  of  stone, 
As  offer,  to  the  living  God, 
A  prayer  of  words  alone. 

For  words  without  the  heart, 
The  Lord  will  never  hear ; 
Nor  will  he  ever  those  regard, 
Whose  prayers  are  not  sincere. 

Lord,  teach  me  what  I  want, 
And  teach  me  how  to  pray  ; 
Nor  let  me  e'er  implore  thy  grace 
When  careless  what  I  say. — Amen, 


18.         A  Child's  Prayer.     Selected. 

Lord,  teach  a  sinful  child  to  pray, 
And  then  accept  my  prayer ; 

For  thou  canst  hear  the  words  I  say, 
Since  thou  art  every  where. 

A.  little  sparrow  cannot  fall 
Unnoticed,  Lord,  by  thee  ; 

And  though  T  am  so  young  and  small, 
Thou  dost  take  care  of  me. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  19 

Teach  me  to  do  the  thing  that's  right ; 

And  when  I  sin,  forgive  ; 
And  make  it,  Lord,  my  great  delight, 

To  serve  thee  while  I  live. 

Whatever  trouble  I  am  in, 

To  thee  for  help  I'll  call ; 
But  keep  me  more  than  all  from  sin, 

For  that's  the  worst  of  all. — Amen. 


19.     Little  Child's  Prayer  for  the  Sabbath 

0  Lord  !  I  must  not  work  or  play, 
Upon  thy  Holy  Saboath  day  ; 
Because  it  is  thy  day  of  rest, 
Hallowed  by  thee,  and  thus  made  blest. 

1  must  not  work  I  must  not  play 
Upon  God's  Holy  Sabbath  day ; 
Since  Christ  who  died  my  soul  to  save, 
Then  rose  and  triumphed  o'er  the  grave. 

Why  should  I  break  God's  fourth  Command, 
And  tempt  the  justice  of  his  hand  ? 
Why  should  I  thus  my  God  offend, 
On  whom  for  life  I  must  depend  ? 

Thou  art  most  High,  and  pure  and  great ; 
All  Sabbath  breakers  thou  dost  hate ; 


20  THE    CHILD'S 

Lord,  never  let  me  work  or  play, 
Upon  thy  holy  Sabbath  day. — Amen. 


19.*  Prayer  for  a  Child  who  has  told  a  lie. 

Lord,  I  confess  with  shame, 
How  wicked  I  have  been ; 
I've  told  a  lie — I'm  much  to  blame  ; 
I've  wrought  a  grievous  sin. 

O  God,  thy  word  declares, 
That  every  wicked  liar 
Shall  have  his  portion,  in  the  lake 
Of  brimstone  and  of  fire. 

Forgive  me,  God  of  truth, 
Who  thus  abhors  all  liars ; 
Seal  not  my  lying  lips  in  death ; 
Save  me  from  quenchless  fires. 

O  make  me  watch  my  lips, 
Lest  I  be  sent  to  hell ; 
Since  thou  dost  mark  with  just  dislike, 
Each  lie  that  I  do  tell. — Amen. 


20.  Child's  Prayer.     Selected. 

Lord,  I  would  come  to  thee, 
A  sinner  all  defiled  ; 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION. 

O  take  the  guilt  of  sin  away, 

And  own  mc  as  thy  child. 

I  cannot  live  in  sin, 
And  feel  a  Saviour's  love  ; 
Thy  blood  can  make  my  spirit  clean  ; 

0  write  my  name  above. 

1  may  for  ought  I  know, 
This  hour  the  summons  hear ; 

To  call  me  where  the  wicked  go, 
Or  where  the  saints  appear. 

Teach  me,  with  all  my  heart, 
Thy  mercy  to  embrace  ; 
Make  me  from  every  sin  depart, 
In  this  my  time  of  grace. — Amen. 


21 


21.  Address. 

Dear  child,  the  God  who  reigns  above, 
Creator  of  the  heavens  and  earth, 

Is  seated  on  a  throne  of  love  ; 
And  infinite  in  grace  and  truth. 

His  law,  which  for  thy  rule  was  given, 
Is  holy,  good,  and  just  and  right ; 

Once  broke,  it  cuts  the  soul  from  heaven  ; 
Condemns  the  soul  to  endless  night. 


22 


THE    CHILD  S 


The  gospel  is  God's  richest  grace, 

Where  those,  who  have  transgressed  his  law, 
May  seek  his  reconciled  face, 

And  comfort  and  salvation  draw. 

This  God  has  given  a  day  of  grace, 
That  thou  thy  sinful  soul  might'st  save  ; 

That  day  mispent,  thy  soul  is  lost ; 
For  pardons  reach  not  to  the  grave. 

The  hour  is  near  when  thou  must  die  ; 

How  near,  no  creature  can  relate  ; 
God  then  will  seal  up  thy  accounts, 

And  fix  thee  in  thy  changeless  state. 

Then  comes  the  dreadful  judgment  day, 
When  God  will  sit  upon  his  throne, 

And  summon  thee  before  his  bar, 
To  answer  for  the  crimes  here  done. 

Then  shall  succeed  a  heaven  or  hell, 

Thy  future  and  eternal  home  ; 
Heaven  lost ;  thy  soul  shall  ever  dwell 

Amidst  the  wrath  that  is  to  come. 


22.  What  must  I  do.     Selected. 

My  conscious  guilt  is  now  so  great, 
If  I  attempt  to  pray, 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  23 

The  tempter  tells  me  yet  to  wait ; 
Or  frights  my  soul  away. 

In  painful  doubt  what  course  to  try ; 

I  fear  this  long  delay  : 
And  shall  I  linger  here  and  die, 

Ashamed  to  ask  the  way  ? 


23.  Conviction  for  sin. 

PART    I. 

Ah  !  I  begin  to  feel 
How  sinful  I  have  been ; 
God's  searching  spirit  doth  reveal 
My  wretchedness  and  sin. 

Ah  !  whither  shall  I  fly, 
And  shun  impending  wrath 
Full  clear  I  see  that  should  I  die, 
I  sink  to  endless  death 

I've  broken  God's  pure  law  ; 
And  sinned  against  the  Lord  ; 
From  him  I've  loved  to  wander  far  ; 
His  saints  I  have  abhorred. 

His  grace  I  have  abused  ; 
His  spirit  I  have  grieved ; 
A  Saviour  I  have  oft  refused, 
Whose  blood  for  me  was  shed. 


24 


And  now  my  heart  is  hard, 
And  full  of  evil  thoughts  ; 
Unfeeling,  foolish,  desperate, 
To  get  from  God  it  plots. 


23.  Conviction  for  sin. 

PART    II. 

Ah  !  whither  shall  I  fly  ? 
How  shun  eternal  woe  ? 
The  wrath  of  God,  doth  on  me  lie ; 
He  has  become  my  foe. 

His  law  condemns  me  dead ; 
By  it  I  cannot  live  ; 
My  works,  with  that  pure  rule  compared, 
No  hope  my  soul  can  give. 

The  gospel  too  condemns, 
For  I  do  not  believe  ; 
That  which  my  very  soul  contemns, 
My  heart  cannot  receive. 

No  relish  for  his  truth  ; 
Nor  for  his  service  even  ; 
I  merely  wish  to  'scape  from  wrath ; 
This  makes  me  wish  for  heaven. 

0  that  I'd  ne'er  been  born, 
Or  were  a  senseless  clod ; 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  25 

0  that  there  were  no  judgment  throne  ; 
I  wish  there  were  no  God.* 

I  am  afraid  to  pray, 
Lest  God  should  strike  me  dead ; 
My  thoughts  are  blasphemous  all  day  ; 
They  scare  me  when  in  bed. 


23.  Conviction  for  sin. 


PART    III. 


Well ;  I  am  now  undone  ; 
I  may  as  well  give  o'er ; 
The  wrath  of  God  I  cannot  shun  ; 
Why  seek  for  mercy  more  ? 

My  heart  is  adamant ; 
M  v  doubts  like  sands  increase  ; 
I  am  becoming  desperate  ; 
I  never  shall  find  peace. 

God  hides  from  me  his  face  ; 

He  will  not  hear  my  prayer ; 

I  fear  he'll  never  shew  me  grace, 

Nor  make  my  soul  his  care. 


*  Such  wicked  and  desperate  thoughts  the  convicted  sinner 
often  has. 

3 


26 


I  suffer  more  than  some, 
Who  have  God's  grace  received  ; 
I  have  been  seeking  a  long  time, 
And  yet  am  not  relieved. 

Why  am  I  not  forgiven  ? 
Why  am  I  growing  worse  ? 
Why  are  my  prayers  shut  out  of  heaven  ? 
Why  am  I  treated  thus  ? 


23.  Conviction  for  sin. 

PART    IV. 

Ah  !   whither  look  for  help  ? 
I'm  torn  with  dreadful  fear ; 
I  cannot  flee  away  from  self; 
A  monster  I  appear. 

I  fear  I've  sinned  the  sin 
That  God  will  ne'er  forgive  ; 
And  that  self  ruined  and  unclean, 
With  devils  I  must  live. 

I  fear  'tis  now  too  late 
To  make  my  peace  with  heaven  ; 
0  that  I'd  sought  the  Lord  before, 
And  prayed  until  forgiven 

Hopeless  as  is  my  case  ; 
I  dare  not  backward  turn  ; 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  27 

Though,  I  have  thought,  my  day  of  grace 
Most  probably  had  gone. 

I  am  not  now  inclined 
To  turn  again  to  earth  ; 
This  course,  'tis  clear  now  to  my  mind ; 
Will  terminate  in  death. 

Once  more  to  God  I'll  go, 
And  will  attempt  to  pray  ; 
Perhaps  he  will  his  mercy  shew, 
And  wash  my  sins  away. 


23.  Conviction  for  Sin. 

PART    V. 

O  Lord  !  My  thoughts  and  prayers 
Have  all  rebellious  been  ; 
Sinful  and  selfish,  working  death ; 
Alas  !  they  all  are  sin. 

Sure  this  is  my  last  call, 
My  only  day  of  grace  ; 
This  call  I  may  not  now  neglect, 
And  find  a  Saviour's  face. 

I've  loved  so  to  rebel, 

And  from  thy  precepts  swerve, 


28  the  child's 

That  now  if  I  am  sent  to  hell, 
'Tis  just  what  I  deserve 

The  Spirit  I've  so  grieved, 
Thy  grace  have  so  abused, 
Thou  wilt  be  just  and  glorious, 
If  mercy  I'm  refused. 

Ah  !  whither  shall  I  fly 
To  'scape  eternal  woe  ? 
I  hear  the  voice  of  mercy  cry, 
To  Christ  the  Saviour  go. 


23.     Conviction  for  sin  and  Conversion. 

PART    VI. 

Yes,  I'll  to  Jesus  go, 
Nor  longer  will  delay ; 
He  saves  from  sin  and  endless  woe  ; 
I  die  if  here  I  stay. 

But  will  the  Lord  of  love 

Receive  me  thus  defiled  ? 

Prepare  me  for  the  joys  above, 

And  own  me  for  a  child  ? 

Yes,  Jesus  now  invites, 
Who  came  to  save  the  lost : 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  29 

The  chief  of  sinners  lie  entreats 
To  hasten  to  his  cross. 

Yes,  Jesus  bids  me  come, 
Who  even  for  me  died  : 
Behold  !  he  says,  there  still  is  room, 
Here  in  my  wounded  side. 

Lord  !  to  thy  cross  I  fly  ; 
Save  me  from  sin  and  pain  ; 
Lo  !  at  thy  feet  I'll  live  and  die, 
And  trust  thee  to  redeem. 


24.     Humility  and  Submission.     Ps.  131 

Have  I  a  haughty  heart  ? 
And  have  I  lofty  eyes  ? 
And  do  I  exercise  myself 
In  things  too  high  for  me  ? 

I  would  behave  myself 
E'en  as  a  child  that's  weaned ; 
Lord,  make  me  as  a  weaned  child ; 
And  let  me  hope  in  thee. — Amen. 


25.  Wailing  on  God.     Ps.  123. 

0  thou  that  dvvell'st  in  heaven, 
To  thee  I  Uft  mine  eyes ; 


3* 


30  THE    CHILD'S 

As  servants  watch  their  master's  hand, 
So  Lord  I  look  to  thee. 

Have  mercy  on  us,  Lord, 
Bear  thou  our  spirits  up  ; 
For  we  are  grieved  with  the  contempt 
Of  proud  and  scornful  men. — Amen. 


26.     Prayer  for  a  Child  on  his  way  to  School. 

Heavenly  Father,  thou  hast  kept 
My  frail  body  while  I  slept ; 
And  hast  chased  away  the  night, 
With  the  morning's  pleasant  light : 
Clothed  and  fed  and  by  thee  blest, 
Joyful  to  my  school  I  haste. 

Keep  me,  Lord,  from  sin  and  strife, 
All  this  day  and  through  my  life  ; 
Teachers,  schoolmates,  may  I  love, 
And  my  mind  with  care  improve. 
Every  day  some  knowledge  gain, 
That  I  may  not  live  in  vain. 

Ever  thankful  let  me  be, 

For  thy  goodness  unto  me  ; 

For  my  parents,  dear  and  kind, 

For  my  books,  which  feast  the  mind : 


BOOK    OP    DEVOTION.  31 

Since  I  much  receive  from  thee, 
Much  thou  wilt  require  of  me. — Amen. 


27.  Prayer  for  a  Child  on  his  way  from  School. 

Heavenly  Father,  like  a  bird 

Just  uncaged  and  left  to  roam  ; 
Now  I  leave  the  school  I  love, 

For  my  more  beloved  home  : 
Keep  me  pure  while  on  the  way, 
Lest  in  paths  of  sin  I  stray. 

Thou  hast  been  most  good  to  me  ; 

All  my  wants  thou  hast  supplied  ; 
Parents,  friends,  all  come  from  thee, 

And  thou,  Lord,  hast  been  mv  guide. 
Let  the  knowledge  gained  this  day, 
Make  me  useful  through  life's  way. 

Soon  the  seed  time  of  my  life 

Will  be  gone,  nor  more  can  bless ; 

Youth  mispeot  will  load  my  age, 
With  reproach  and  wickedness. 

Let  my  youth  with  thee  be  spent ; 

Make  me  virtue's  ornament. — Amen. 


32 

28.     Child/ en's  exercise  before  School. 

BY    A    LADY. 

1st  Class.  Little  schoolmates,  can  you  tell 
"Who  has  kept  us  safe  and  well, 
Through  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
To  the  day's  refreshing  light  ? 

2nd  Class.  Yes  :  'tis  God  who  deigns  to  keep 
Little  children  while  they  sleep ; 
He  around  us  cast  his  arm, 
And  preserved  us  from  all  harm. 

1st  Class.  Can  you  tell  who  gives  us  food, 

Clothes  and  home  and  parents  good, 
Schoolmates  dear,  and  teachers  kind, 
Useful  books,  to  feed  the  mind  ? 

2nd  Class.  Yes  :  Our  heavenly  Father's  care, 
Gives  us  all  we  eat,  and  wear  ; 
Parents,  teachers,  schoolmates,  friends, 
He  in  kindness  to  us  sends. 

Ghorus.     Let  us,  therefore,  thankful  be, 
For  his  mercies  large  and  free ; 
Every  day  in  joyful  praise, 
Thankful  voices  we  would  raise. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  33 

29.   Child's  Prayer  on  going  to  Church,  o> 
IS  abba  th  School. 

Many  thanks  I  give  thee,  Lord, 
For  the  Scriptures  of  thy  grace  ; 

For  the  Sabbath,  when  thy  word 
Is  explained  and  taught  our  race  : 

Precious  day,  of  all  the  best, 

Called  the  Lord's,  and  by  thee  blest. 

Keep  me  good  and  still  I  pray, 

"When  in  church,  or  Sabbath  school; 

That  what  truth  my  teachers  say 
May  be  heard  and  made  my  rule  : 

Truth,  to  make  me  wise  and  good, 

Must  be  loved  and  understood. 

As  I  to  thy  temple  go 

Where  thy  people  meet  for  prayer ; 
Grant  that  I  may  truly  know 

Thy  salvation  and  thy  care. 
Grace  let  me  this  day  receive, 
On  the  Saviour  to  believe. 

Let  the  word  that  I  shall  hear, 

By  thy  Spirit  be  applied  ; 
Melt  my  heart  with  holy  fear ; 

Make  me  His  who  for  me  died. 
In  the  Saviour  let  me  find, 
Full  redemption — peace  of  mind. — Amen. 


34 

30.  Prayer  for  a  sick  Father. 

O  God,  before  thy  throne, 
In  sorrow  I  bow  down, 

Mercy  to  crave  ; 
Strike  not  the  fatal  blow ; 
Lay  not  my  father  low, 

In  the  cold  grave. 

Lord,  speak  the  gracious  word, 
And  he  shall  be  restored, 

And  he  shall  live  ; 
Disease  shall  flee  apace, 
And  health  come  in  its  place, 

And  vigour  give. 

Write  me  not  fatherless  ; 
By  cords  of  tenderness, 

He  holds  my  heart : 
Break  not  these  tender  ties ; 
They  last  not  if  he  dies  ; 

Health  then  impart. 

But  if  my  heart  must  bleed, 
If  thou  hast,  Lord,  decreed 

To  call  him  hence  ; 
Jesus,  be  thou  his  stay, 
His  guide  to  endless  day, 

His  sure  defence. — Amen 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  35 

30*.         Prayer  for  a  sick  Mother. 

As  the  preceding ;  only  substituting  mother,  for 
father — motherless,  for  fatherless,  she  for  he; 
her  fur  him,  and  his. 


31.      Prayer  for  Direction.    Selected. 

Jesus,  see  a  little  child, 

Humbly  at  thy  footstool  stay ; 

Thou  who  art  so  meek  and  mild, 
Stoop  and  teach  me  what  to  say. 

Shew  me  what  I  ought  to  be, 

Make  me  every  evil  shun  ; 
Ever  may  I  look  to  thee ; 

Ever  in  thy  footsteps  run. 

Jesus,  all  my  sins  forgive  ; 

Make  me  lowly,  pure  in  heart ; 
For  thy  glory  may  I  live, 

When  I  die  go  where  thou  art. — Amen. 


32.  Child's  Submission. 

Saviour  !  to  thy  feet  I  fly, 

E're  my  childhood  shall  have  past ; 

At  thy  cross  I'll  live  and  die  ; 

To  thy  cross  now  bind  me  fast. — Amen. 


30 

33.  Praise  for  learning  to  Read.     Watts. 

The  praises  of  my  tongue 
I  offer  to  the  Lord, 
That  I  was  taught  and  learnt  so  young 
To  read  his  holy  word. 

That  I  am  brought  to  know 
The  danger  I  was  in, 
By  nature  and  by  practice  too, 
A  wretched  slave  to  sin. 

Dear  Lord  !  this  book  of  thine 
Informs  me  where  to  go, 
For  grace  to  pardon  all  my  sins, 
And  make  me  holy  too. 

Here  I  can  read  and  learn 
How  Christ,  the  Son  of  God, 
Has  undertook  the  great  concern, 
To  save  us  with  his  blood. 

And  now  he  reigns  above, 
He  sends  his  Spirit  down 
To  show  the  wonders  of  his  love, 
And  make  his  gospel  known. 

0  may  that  Spirit  teach, 
And  make  my  heart  receive 
The  truths  which  all  thy  servants  preach, 
And  all  thy  saints  believe. — Amen. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  37 

34.     The  Child's  complaint.     Watts. 

Why  should  I  love  my  sport  so  well, 

So  constant  at  my  play, 
And  lose  the  thoughts  of  heaven  and  hell, 

And  then  forget  to  pray  ? 

What  do  I  read  mv  Bible  for, 

But,  Lord,  to  learn  thy  will? 
And  shall  I  daily  know  thee  more, 

And  less  obey  thee  still  ? 

How  senseless  is  my  heart  and  wild  ! 

How  vain  are  all  my  thoughts  ! 
Pity  the  weakness  of  a  child, 

And  pardon  all  my  faults. 

Make  me  thy  heavenly  voice  to  hear, 

And  let  me  learn  to  pray  ; 
Since  God  will  lend  a  gracious  ear, 

To  what  a  child  can  say. — Amen 


35.     Tlie  Hard  Heart.     Selected. 

What  is  there,  Lord,  a  child  can  do. 
Who  feels  with  guilt  opprest  ? 

There's  evil  that  I  never  knew 
Before  within  my  breast. 

My  thoughts  are  vain — my  heart  is  hard, 
My  temper  apt  to  rise  ; 
4 


38  the  child's 

And  when  I  seem  upon  my  guard, 
It  takes  me  by  surprise. 

And  yet  if  I  begin  to  pray, 
.  t  And  lift  my  feeble  cry  ; 
Some  thoughts  of  folly  or  of  play 
Prevent  me  when  I  try. 

On  many  Sabbaths,  though  I've  heard 
Of  Jesus  and  of  Heaven, 

I've  scarcely  listened  to  thy  word, ' 
Or  prayed  to  be  forgiven. 

0  look  with  pity  in  thine  eye, 

Upon  a  heart  so  hard  ; 
0  do  not  slight  my  feeble  cry, 

And  show  it  no  regard. — Amen. 


36.  Morning  and  Evening.  Prayer.     Selected 

God  of  grace,  to  thee  I  pray, 

Give  me  grace  to  pray  aright ; 
Guide  and  bless  me  every  day, 

And  defend  me  evdry  night. 

Let  thy  mercy  while  I  live, 

Every  needful  want  supply ; 
And  thy  gracious  presence  give 

To  support  me  when  I  die. — Amen 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  39 

37.  Morning  and  Evening  Prayer.     Selected. 

Teach  me.  Lord,  thy  name  to  know, 
Teach  me,  Lord,  thy  name  to  love  ; 

May  I  do  thy  will  below, 
As  thy  will  is  done  above. 

When  I  go  to  rest  at  night, 

O'er  me  watch  aud  near  me  stay ; 

And  when  morning  brings  the  light, 

May  I  wake  to  praise  and  pray. — Amen. 


38.  My  Mother.     Selected. 

Could  I,  Lord,  so  wicked  be, 
As  to  cause  my  mother  pain  ? 

She  was  always  good  to  me, 
Can  I  ill  for  good  return ? 

In  each  hour  of  harm  or  good, 
'Twas  her  hand  that  all  the  day 

Clothed  me,  kept  me,  gave  me  food, 
Taught  me  how  "to  read  and  pray. 

Lord,  when  I've  in  sickness  lain, 
By  my  bed  her  watch  she  kept ; 

And  when  she  has  seen  my  pain, 
Kindlv  looked  on  me  and  wept. 


, 


40  THE    CHILD'S 

Heavenly  Father,  who  didst  give 
Such  a  gift  as  this  to  me  ; 

Grant  me,  long  as  I  do  live, 

Gratitude  to  her  and  thee. — Amen. 


39.         Prayer  for  an  Orphan  Child. 

Lord,  I  am  an  orphan  child ; 
Mother,  father,  I  have  lost ; 
And  now  on  a  friendless  world, 
Without  parents  I  am  tost. 

Art  thou  not  the  orphan's  friend  ? 
Wilt  not  thou  become  my  guide  ? 
Lord,  thy  help  and  presence  lend, 
That  near  thee  I  may  abide. 

Thou  hast  said,  when  fathers  die, 
And  when  mothers  us  forsake, 
Thou  wilt,  from  thy  throne  on  high, 
For  a  child  the  orphan  take. 

Father,  then,  I  thee  would  call ; 
Though  unworthy  a  child's  place ; 
But  I  give  to  thee  my  all, 
And  now  trust  thy  sovereign  grace 

Raise  me  up  the  friends  I  need ; 
Let  my  wants  be  thus  supplied ; 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  41 

To  the  cross  my  spirit,  lead  ; 

Make  me  his  who. for  me  died. — Amen. 


40.  The  Child's  Complaint. 

SELECTED,  ABRIDGED    AND    ALTERED. 

Saviour  !  I  have  lost  my  mother, 

She  was  sick  and  now  she's  dead ; 
And  I  have  a  little  brother, 

Weeping  with  me  by  the  bed. 
When  I  wept  she  would  console  me, 

Smile  and  kiss  me  to  relieve  ; 
Now  I  weep  she  does  not  hear  me ; 

Cheering  smiles  she  cannot  give. 

Often  at  the  close  of  day, 

On  her  bosom  I  would  lean  ; 
Go  with  her  to  kneel  and  pray, 

Where  we  never  could  be  seen. 
She  would  teach  me 'how  to  pray, 

Tell  me  I  must  come  to  thee ; 
Now  I  come  without  delay, 

Asking  what  is  good  for  me. 

Who  will  clothe  and  give  me  bread  ? 

Teach  me  how  to  read  and  pray  ? 
Who  will  hold  my  aching  head  ; 

Guide  and  cheer  me  through  the  day  ? 
4* 


42  the  child's 

Others  still  their  mothers  have  ; 

Why  not  have  my  mother  too  ? 
Couldst  thou  not  her  also  save  ? 

Tell  me,  Saviour,  what  to  do. 


41.  The  Saviour's  answer. 

SELECTED,    ABRIDGED   AND   ALTERED. 

Little  child,  do  not  complain  ; 

I  was  by  and  heard  the  prayer, 
When  your  mother  prayed  for  you, 

Gave  you  up  into  my  care. 
Little  orphan,  I  behold  you 

With  more  care  then  mothers  shew ; 
I  will  clothe,  and  I  will  feed  you ; 

Ev'ry  needed  gift  bestow. 

I  will  teach  you  how  to  pray, 

Shew  you  how  you  may  be  blest , 
Follow  me,  and  I'll  you  guide 

Safely  to  the  heavenly  rest. 
Listen  to  your  Saviour's  words, 

I  am  left  to  guide  you  still ; 
I  will  love  you  more  and  more, 

As  you  love  to  do  my  will. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  43 

42.     Prayer  for  a  sick  Child.     Selected, 

Heavenly  Father  !  I  am  ill, 
But  cure  me,  if  it  be  thy  will ; 
For  thou  canst  take  away  my  pain, 
And  make  me  strong  and  well  again. 

Let  me  be  patient  all  the  day, 

And  mind  what  those  who  nurse  me  say ; 

And  grant  that  all  I  have  to  take, 

May  do  me  good  for  Jesus'  sake. — Amen. 


43.     Child's  thanks  for  recovery  from  sickness. 

SELECTED. 

I  thank  the  Lord,  who  lives  on  high, 

Who  heard  an  infant  pray ; 
A.nd  healed  me  that  I  should  not  die, 

And  took  my  pains  away. 

0  let  me  love  and  serve  thee  too, 

As  long  as  I  shall  live ; 
And  ev'ry  evil  thing  I  do, 

For  Jesus'  sake  forgive. — Amen. 


44.     Prayer  for  a  dying  Child.    Selected. 

My  heavenly  Father,  I  confess 
That  all  thy  Ways  are  just ; 


44  .  the  child's 

Although  I  faint  with  sore  distress, 
And  now  draw  near  the  dust. 

How  soon  my  little  strength  has  fled  ! 

My  life  will  soon  be  past ; 
O  smile  upon  my  dying  bed, 

And  love  me  to  the  last. 

Once  did  the  blessed  Saviour  cry, 
"  Let  little  children  come  ;" 

On  this  kind  word  I  now  rely, 
Since  I  am  going  home. 

0  take  this  guilty  soul  of  mine, 
That  now  will  soon  be  gone  ; 

And  wash  it  clean,  and  make  it  shine 
With  heavenly  garments  on. 

My  heavenly  Father,  hear  my  prayer, 
Accept  my  feeble  praise  ; 

Redeem  and  take  my  spirit  where 
It  nobler  notes  shall  raise. — Amen, 


45.  Tlie  Spirit9 s  last  act. 

Father  !  into  thy  hands  I  lay 

My  spirit,  soon  to  leave  this  frame ; 

From  works,  from  self,  1  turn  away, 
To  Jesus  whom  I  only  name. 


BOOK    OF    DEVOTION.  45 

Myself  now  at  the  cross  I  place, 
And  look  to  Christ's  atoning  blood ; 

I  would  be  saved  alone  by  grace, 

Through  faith,  according  to  thy  word. 

•I  have  no  hope  but  in  thy  Son  ; 

No  trust  but  in  the  cross  of  Christ ; 
I  am  a  sinner,  lost,  undone, 

Without  the  righteousness  by  faith. 

Into  thy  hands  I  now  commit, 

My  spirit,  0  my  Saviour  God  ! 
Lord  Jesus,  now  accept  the  gift, 

And  save  according  to  thy  word. — Amen. 


ZSD   OF  PART   FIRST. 


YOUTH'S 

BOOK   OF  DEVOTION. 
PART  II. 


46.  Address  to  Young  Persons. 

When  beauty  fades  ;  when  riches  cease  their  glare  ; 
When  earthly  pleasures  cease  to  charm  the  mind ; 
What  then  can  charm  the  soul?  what  sooth  its  care? 
What  fill  its  noble  powers  with  joy  refined? 

j  ion  can  do  this  ;  her  joys  abound, 
When  beauty,  riches,  earthly  pleasures  die. 
Like  the  sweet  rose  which  fragrance  flings  around, 
When  dried  and  faded  by  a  scorching  sky, 

Dear  youth,  this  Pearl  of  price  immense  secur 
\A  hose  joys  and  blessedness  are  pure  and  sweet ; 
Without  it  even  kings  and  queens  are  poor, 
Though  all  earth's  gems  and  crowns  lay  at  their  feet. 


48 

But  if  you  make  this  costly  pearl  your  own, 
Eternal  bliss  shall  thrill  and  swell  your  breast, 
Eternal  glory  shall  your  head  adorn  ; 
Eternal  love  shall  be  your  balmy  rest. 

Dear  youth  look  up  !  see  at  thy  utmost  reach, 
The  Pearl  of  price  immense  invites  thy  grasp ; 
O  seize  it  now  ;  for  should  it  disappear, 
Down  thy  soft  cheek  will  flow  the  ceaseless  tear. 


47.  Prayer  for  my  Birth-day. 

Father  in  heaven  !  thou  hast  now  brought 
Thy  child  in  mercy  to  this  day ; 

Now  let  thy  grace  in  me  be  wrought, 
That  I  may  love  thee  while  I  pray. 

Thou  mad'st  me,  Lord,  out  of  the  earth, 
And  wert  my  hope  from  infancy  ; 

Thou  art  my  God,  e'en  from  my  birth, 
For  I  was  early  cast  on  thee. 

I  was  an  helpless  infant,  Lord  ; 

And  slept  upon  my  mother's  breast ; 
I  could  not  walk,  nor  speak  a  word ; 

And  seemed  of  all  thy  works  the  least. 

Thus  far  thou  hast  my  days  prserved, 
Altho'  I've  sinned  and  loved  to  sin ; 


OF    DEVOTION.  49 

And  thou  hast  taught  me  from  thy  word, 
Though  foolish  and  perverse  I've  been. 

Now  on  thy  works,  I  look  abroad, 

And  see  thy  glory  every  where, 
Thy  love,  thy  great  salvation,  Lord, 

I  now  would  make  my  greatest  care. 

Now  let  me  run  thy  paths,  0  God  ; 

xlnd  oft  as  shall  my  birth-day  come, 
May  it  be  seen  that  I  have  trod 

A  full  year's  journey  nearer  home. — Amen, 


Morning    and   Evening   Prayers    for    Youno 
Children,  for  each  day  in  the  wteek. 


48.  Sahbath  Morning.     Selected. 


o 


0  Lord,  the  night  is  gone, 
The  Sabbath  morn  I  see  ; 

0  that  thou  would'st  on  this  thy  day 
Thy  mercy  shew  to  me. 

1  would  now  bow  in  prayer, 
And  supplicate  thy  throne  ; 

Forgive  me,  Lord,  for  follies  past, 
Adopt  me  for  thine  own. 
5 


50  youth's  book 

O  condescend  to  hear 
While  I  attempt  to  pray ; 
And  keep  me,  Lord,  from  harm  and  sin 
Through  all  this  Sabbath  day. 

O  let  me  not  forget 
The  kindness  and  the  love  ; 
Which  gave  for  us  thy  Son  to  die, 
That  we  might  live  above. 

0  let  my  days  and  nights, 
As  they  revolve  around  ; 
Be  spent  in  doing  all  thy  will, 

And  in  good  works  abound. — Amen. 


49.         Sabbath  Evening.     Selected. 

Heavenly  Father  !  grant  thy  blessing 
On  the  instructions  of  this  day  ; 

That  our  hearts,  thy  fear  possessing, 
May  from  sin  be  turned  away. 

We  are  told  thy  power  can  reach  us, 
Whatsoever  place  we'  re  in  ; 

And  the  holy  Scriptures  teach  us, 
Thou  wilt  surely  punish  sin. 

We  have  wandered,  0  forgive  us ! 
We  have  wished  from  truth  tp  rove : 


OF    DEVOTION.  51 

Turn,  0  turn  us,  and  receive  us, 
And  incline  our  hearts  to  love. 

Wc  have  learned,  that  Christ,  the  Saviou 
Lived  to  teach  us  what  is  good  ; 

Died  to  gain  for  us  thy  favour, 
And  redeem  us  by  his  blood. 

For  his  sake,  0  God,  forgive  us  ! 

Guide  us  to  that  happy  home, 
Where  the  Saviour  will  receive  us, 

And  where  sin  can  never  come. — Ame. 


>0.  Monday  Morning  Prayer. 

SELECTED    AXD    ALTERED. 

0  God  !  I  thank  thee  that  the  night 
In  peace  and  rest  has  passed  away; 

And  that  I  see  my  Father's  smile, 
In  this  fair  light  that  makes  it  day. 

Be  thou  my  guide,  and  let  me  live 
As  under  thy  All-seeing  eye ; 

Supply  my  wants,  my  sins  forgive, 
And  make  me  happy  when  I  die. 

Keep  me  from  sinful  thoughts,  0  Lord, 
And  make  my  youthful  heart  sincere ; 

Make  me  to  read  thy  holv  word, 

With  reverence  and  with  godly  fear. 


52  youth's  book 

Then  shall  I  be  prepared  below, 

For  thy  eternal  home  above, 
Where  pleasures  like  a  river  flow, 

And  holiness  and  peace  and  love.—  Amen. 


51.     Monday  Evening  Prayer.     Selected  and 
altered. 

Another  day  its  course  has  run, 

And  still,  0  God,  thy  child  is  blest, 

For  thou  hast  been  by  day  my  sun, 
And  thou  wilt  be  by  night  my  rest. 

Sweet  sleep  descends  my  eyes  to  close, 
And  soon,  when  all  the  world  is  still, 

I'll  give  my  body  to  repose, 
My  spirit  to  my  Father's  will. 

Then  let  each  coming  night  declare 
The  tokens  of  thy  matchless  love  ; 

And  every  hour  thy  grace  prepare  ■ 
My  soul  for  purer  joys  above. 

And  when  on  earth  I  close  my  eyes, 
And  sink  worn  out  in  death's  embrace ; 

0  that  to  heaven  my  soul  may  rise, 

To  see  and  serve  thee  face  to  face. — Amen. 


OF    DEVOTION.  53 


52.  Tuesday  Morning.     Ps.  17. 

Lord !   thou  hast  proved  and  tried  my  heart, 

And  watched  me  in  the  night ; 
Now  keep  me  pure,  thy  grace  impart, 

And  make  my  actions  right. 


Thy  word  has  kept  me  from  the  paths 
That  lead  to  death  and  hell  ; 

In  thy  pure  paths,  O  hold  me  up, 
That  I  may  run  them  well. 

Keep  as  the  apple  of  thy  eye, 
And  hide  beneath  thy  wings, 

O  thou,  that  savest  by  thy  hand, 
The  child  that  to  thee  clings. 

O  keep  me  from  the  sons  of  crime, 
Who  have  their  portion  here  ; 

Lest,  in  my  strength  and  youthful  days, 
I  die  and  disappear. 

O  keep  me  pure  ;  let  me  partake 
The  grace  thou  dost  provide  ; 

That  in  thy  likeness  when  I  wake 
1  shall  be  satisfied. — Amen. 
5* 


54 


53.  Tuesday  Evening*    Ps.  4. 

God  of  my  righteousness,  0  hear, 
Who  from  despair  canst  save  my  soul, 

And  plenteous  mercy  shew  : 
Teach  me  to  fear  thy  holy  name  ; 
To  turn  away  from  every  sin, 

And  with  my  God  commune. 

0  make  my  heart  sincere  and  pure, 
And  let  me  trust  the  God  of  love 

For  every  needed  good  ; 
While  many  ask,  who'll  shew  us  good  ? 
Lord,  lift  on  me  thy  countenance, 

Shall  be  my  earnest  prayer. 

This  will  put  gladness  in  my  heart, 
Beyond  the  joy  that  worldlings  feel, 

Whose  corn  and  wine  increase. 
Now,  while  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 
Lord,  let  thy  watchful  care  preserve, 

And  shield  me  from  all  harm. — Amen. 


54.  Wednesday  Morning.  Selected  and  altered. 

0  Lord,  through  thy  indulgent  care, 

In  peace  I  laid  me  down  ; 
And  now  thy  soft  bright  beams  of  love 

My  waking  moments  crown. 


OF    DEVOTION.  Ot> 

No  sad  alarm  my  slumbers  broke, 

No  terror,  fear  or  dread  ; 
No  sickness  seized  my  tender  frame, 

Nor  flames  came  round  my  bed. 

Preserve  me  from  all  ill  I  pray, 

And  guide  me  with  thine  eye  ; 
And  grant  that  through  the  passing  day 

I  may  on  thee  rely. 

Lord  !  condescend  to  teach  a  child 

To  praise  the  Saviour's  love  ; 
O  let  me  live  to  thee  below, 

And  dwell  with  thee  above. — Amen. 


55.      Wednesday  Evening.     Selected. 

Indulgent  Father,  by  whose  care 

I've  passed  another  day  ; 
Let  me  this  night  thy  mercy  share, 

And  teach  me  how  to  pray. 

Shew  me  my  sins,  and  how  to  mourn 

My  guilt  before  thy  face  ; 
Direct  me,  Lord,  to  Christ  alone, 

And  save  me  by  thy  grace. 

Speak  to  my  conscience  ;  speak  my  peace 
Through  his  atoning  blood ; 


56 


And  grant  me,  Lord,  a  full  release 
From  sin's  oppressive  load. 

Shew  me  my  wants,  and  let  me  crave 

Nothing  but  what  is  right : 
Help  me  by  faith  on  thee  to  live, 

Then  change  my  faith  to  sight. 

Guide  me  through  life's  uncertain  path , 
Nor  let  me  from  thee  stray  ; 

And  when  my  fleeting  breath  shall  fail, 
Raise  me  to  endless  day. — Amen. 


56.    Occasional  Morning  Prayer.     Ps.  3. 

Lord  !  how  my  enemies  increase  ! 
Like  floods  they  have  assailed  my  soul; 
They  fill  my  mind  with  doubts  and  fears, 
And  say,  I  have  no  hope  in  God. 

But,  God,  thou  art  my  shield  and  hope  ; 
And  wilt  lift  up  my  drooping  head ; 
At  night  I  cried,  and  thou  didst  hear, 
And  o'er  me  cast  thy  shadowing  wings. 

I  laid  me  down  and  slept  secure  ; 
I  waked,  for  God  my  soul  sustained ; 
Now  I'll  not  fear,  tho'  myriads 
Against  my  soul  should  set  themselves. 


OF    DEVOTION.  57 

Arise,  and  save  me,  0  my  God, 

Thou  stronger  than  the  strong  man  armed; 

Salvation,  Lord,  belongs  to  thee  ; 

0  bid  the  tempter  hence  depart. — Amen. 


57.     Occasional  Evening  Prayer. —  Watts. 

Lord,  thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray ; 

T  am  for  ever  thine  ; 
I  fear  before  thee  all  the  dav, 

Nor  would  I  dare  to  sin. 

And  while  I  rest  my  weary  head, 
From  cares  and  business  free, 

'Tis  sweet  conversing  on  my  bed 
With  my  own  heart  and  thee. 

I  pay  this  evening's  sacrifice  ; 

And  when  my  work  is  done, 
Great  God  !  my  faith  and  hope  relies 

Upon  thy  grace  alone. 

Thus  with  my  thoughts  composed  to  peace, 

I'll  give  mine  eyes  to  sleep  ; 
Thy  hand  in  safety  keeps  my  days, 

And  will  my  slumbers  keep. — Amen. 


58  youth's  book 

58.  Thursday  Morning. 

Father  of  heaven  !   with  the  light, 

0  hear  my  prayer  ; 
Through  the  dark  and  slumbering  night, 

I've  been  thy  care. 

Saviour  of  sinners  !  thy  shed  blood 

Makes  pure  within ; 
Wash  me  in  the  crimson  flood 

That  flows  for  sin. 

Spirit  of  grace  !  change  my  young  heart, 

Apply  thy  power ; 
Love,  and  faith  and  grace  impart, 

In  a  rich  shower. 

Father  of  heaven  !  on  thy  grace 

1  now  recline  ; 
Sinful,  lost,  I  seek  thy  face, 

0  seal  me  thine. — Amen. 


59.  Thursday  Evening. —  Watts. 

Dread  Sovereign  !  let  my  evening  prayex 

Like  holy  incense  rise  ; 
Assist  the  offerings  of  my  heart, 

To  reach  the  lofty  skies. 


OF    DEVOTION.  59 

Perpetual  blessings  from  above 

Encompass  me  around  ; 
But  0,  how  few  returns  of  love 

Hath  my  Creator  found. 

What  have  I  done  for  him  who  died, 

To -save  my  wretched  soul? 
How  are  my  follies  multiplied, 

Fast  as  the  minutes  roll ! 

Lord,  with  this  guilty  heart  of  mine, 

To  thy  dear  cross  I  flee  ; 
And  to  thy  grace  my  soul  resign, 

To  be  renewed  by  thee. 

Sprinkled  afresh  with  pard'ning  blood, 

I  lay  me  down  to  rest , 
As  in  th'  embraces  of  my  God, 

Or  on  my  Saviour's  breast. — Amen. 


60.         Friday  Morning.     Selected. 

Father  in  heaven  !  in  mercy  take 
A  helpless  child  beneath  thy  care ; 

And  condescend,  for  Jesus'  sake, 
To  listen  to  my  feeble  prayer. 

I  am  a  very  sinful  child, 

A.nd  have  a  wicked  heart  within  ; 


CO  youth's  book 

0  make  me  humble,  good,  and  mild, 
And  wash  me  clean  from  ev'ry  sin. 

Thou  hearest  all  the  words  I  say, 

And  know'st  the  thoughts  I  have  within  ■ 

And  whether  I'm  at  work  or  play, 
Art  sure  to  see  it  if  I  sin. 

0  let  me  never  tell  a  lie, 

Or  cheat  in  play,  or  steal,  or  fight, 
Since  well  I  know  that  thou  art  by, 

And  hast  me  always  in  thy  sight. 

And  when  I  want  to  do  amiss, 

However  pleasant  it  may  be, 
O  let  me  always  think  of  this, 

My  heavenly  Father  looks  at  me. — Amen, 


61.  Friday  Evening.     Watts. 

Almighty  God  !  thy  piercing  eye 
Strikes  through  the  shades  of  night 

And  our  most  secret  actions  lie 
All  open  to  thy  sight. 

There's  not  a  sin  that  we  commit, 
Nor  wicked  word  we  say, 

But  in  thy  dreadful  book  'tis  writ, 
Against  the  judgment  day. 


OF    DEVOTION.  61 

And  must  the  crimes  that  I  have  done. 

Be  read  and  published  there  1 
Be  all  exposed  before  the  sun, 

While  men  and  angels  hear  ? 

Lord,  at  thy  foot  ashamed  I  lie  ; 

Upward  I  dare  not  look  ; 
Pardon  my  sins  before  I  die, 

And  blot  them  from  thy  book. 

Remember  all  the  dying  pains, 

That  my  Redeemer  felt  ; 
And  let  his  blood  wash  out  my  stains, 

And  answer  for  my  guilt. 

0  may  I  now  for  ever  fear 

To  have  a  sinful  thought ; 
Since  the  great  God  can  see  and  hear, 

And  writes  down  ev'ry  fault. — Amen. 


62.   Saturday  Morning.     Selected  and  altered. 

O  Lord,  I  raise  to  thee 
The  voice  of  prayer  and  praise, 
Who  condescends  to  watch  o'er  me, 
And  lengthen  out  my  days. 

While  some  have  past  this  night 
In  restlessness  and  pain  ; 
6 


62 


I  rise  refreshed  to  see  the  light, 
And  seek  the  Lord  again. 

This  day  will  many  die  ! 
This  hour  what  numbers  go  ! 
What  if  my  soul,  this  very  day, 
The  change  of  death  should  know  ? 

0  Lord,  be  thou  my  guide 
Through  this  uncertain  space  ; 
Keep  me  for  ever  near  thy  side, 

And  grant  a  child  thy  grace. — Amen, 


63.        Saturday  Evening.     Selected, 

God  over  all,  for  ever  blest, 
Grant  me  thy  grace  within  ; 

That  I  may  keep  to-morrow's  rest, 
A  rest  indeed  from  sin. 

A  rest  from  all  my  usual  play ; 

A  holy  rest  in  thee  ; 
Then  will  thy  blessed  Sabbath  day 

Be  a  sweet  rest  to  me. 

Lord,  sanctify  my  ev'ry  thought, 
In  these  my  days  of  youth ; 

Make  me  remember  what  I'm  taught, 
Out  of  thy  word  of  truth. 


OF   DEVOTION.  63 

0  teach  me  how  to  pray  aright, 

And  what  to  ask  of  thee  ; 
That  when  I'm  kneeling  in  thy  sight, 

I  may  not  thoughtless  be. 

But  give  me  faith  to  look  above, 

And  see  my  Jesus  there  ; 
To  feel  a  dying  Saviour's  love, 

In  answer  to  my  prayer. — Amen. 


64.  Morning  Prayer. — Watts. 

Lord,  like  the  sun  would  I  fulfil 
The  business  of  the  day ; 

Begin  my  work  betimes,  and  still 
Move  on  the  heavenly  way. 

Give  me,  0  Lord,  thy  early  grace ; 

Nor  let  my  soul  complain, 
That  the  young  morning  of  my  days 

Has  all  been  spent  in  vain. — Amen. 


65.  Evening  Prayer. —  Watts. 

Lord !  how  my  childhood  runs  to  waste, 
My  sins  how  great  their  sum  ; 

0  give  me  pardon  for  the  past, 
And  strength  for  days  to  come. 


64 


I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep  ; 

Let  angels  guard  my  head ; 
And  through  the  hours  of  darkness,  keep 

Their  watch  around  my  bed. 

With  cheerful  heart  I  close  my  eyes, 

Since  thou  wilt  not  remove  ; 
And  in  the  morning  let  me  rise, 

Rejoicing  in  thy  love. — Amen. 


66.  Morning  Prayer. 

Through  the  watches  of  the  night, 
Kept  by  thy  Almighty  care  ; 

Lord  !  I  wake  to  see  the  light, 

And  bow  to  thee  my  heart  in  prayer. 

Many,  in  the  night  now  past, 

Had  their  eye  lids  closed  in  death  ; 

Many,  while  this  day  shall  last, 
Will  go  the  way  of  all  the  earth. 

What  if  this  should  be  my  last  ? 

Have  I  made  my  peace  with  thee  ? 
Life's  a  vapour — soon  'tis  past, 

And  vanished  in  eternity. 

Soon  the  sun  will  run  his  course  : 
Night  will  follow  in  his  train ; 


OF    DEVOTION.  65 

But  in  light  he  will  arise, 

And  fill  the  earth  with  joy  again. 

So  when  I  have  run  my  course, 

And  death's  night  has  prest  my  eyes 

Let  my  soul,  redeemed  by  grace, 
Diffusing  joy  in  light  arise. — Amen. 


57.  Evening  Prayer. 

Through  thy  blessing  on  the  day, 
Lord  !  the  evening  I  now  see  ; 

Now  I  ask  thee  while  I  pray, 
How  my  actions  seem  to  thee. 

Have  I  any  good  performed  ? 

Ought  that's  sinful  have  I  done  ? 
Have  I,  Lord,  my  neighbour  wronged, 

In  thought,  in  action,  or  in  tongue  ? 

Have  I  read  thy  holy  word  ? 

Read  it  as  the  word  of  God  ? 
And  so  loved  my  Saviour,  Lord, 

That  in  his  footsteps  I  have  trod  ? 

Have  I  for  thy  glory  prayed  ? 

Prayed  for  lost  and  sinful  men  ? 
Prayed  to  *ee  thy  arm  displayed, 

And  sinners  bom  of  God  again  ? 
6* 


66  youth's  book 

Let  me  grieve  that  I  have  sinned, 
And  have  loved,  my  God,  no  more ; 

Make  it  now  my  heart's  desire, 
To  serve  thee  better  than  before. 

Let  me  spend  each  passing  day 
Near  to  God,  and  in  thy  fear ; 

As  I'll  wish  I  had  it  spent 

When  in  judgment  I  appear. — Amen. 


68.  Praise  for  birth  in  a  Christian  Land. 


Great  God  !  to  thee  my  voice  I  raise, 
To  thee  my  youngest  hours  belong, 

I  would  begin  my  life  with  praise 

That  I  was  born  where  Christ  is  known. 

How  do  I  pity  those  that  dwell 

Where  ignorance  and  darkness  reign ! 

They  know  no  heaven,  they  fear  no  hell, 
Those  endless  joys,  those  endless  pains. 

Thy  glorious  promises,  0  Lord, 
Kindle  my  hopes  and  my  desire, 

While  all  the  preachers  of  thy  word 
Warn  me  to  'scape  eternal  fire. 

0  let  thy  praise  employ  my  breath, 
Since  thou  hast  marked  my  way  to  heaven ; 


OF    DEVOTION.  67 


Nor  let  me  run  the  road  to  death, 

Amen. 


And  waste  the  blessings  thou  hast  given. 


69.       Praise  for  the  Gospel.     Watts. 

Lord  !  I  ascribe  it  to  thy  grace, 

And  not  to  chance  as  others  do, 
That  I  was  born  of  Christian  race, 

And  not  a  heathen  or  a  Jew. 

What  would  the  ancient  Jewish  kings, 
And  Jewish  prophets  once  have  given, 

Could  they  have  heard  those  glorious  things, 
Which  Christ  revealed  and  brought  from  heaven  ? 

How  glad  the  heathen  would  have  been, 
That  worship  idols,  wood  and  stone, 

If  they  the  book  of  God  had  seen, 
Or  Jesus  and  his  gospel  known. 

Then  if  the  gospel  I  refuse, 

How  shall  I  e'er  lift  up  mine  eyes  ? 

For  all  the  Gentiles  and  the  Jews 
Against  me  will  in  judgment  rise. 

0  may  I  stand  before  the  Lamb, 

When  heaven  and  earth  and  seas  are  fled, 


68  youth's  book 

And  hear  the  judge  pronounce  my  name, 
And  pour  his  blessing"  on  my  head. — Amen. 


70.        Praise  for  the  Bible.     Watts. 

Great  God,  with  wonder  and  with  praise 

On  all  thy  works  I  look ; 
But  still  thy  wisdom,  power  and  grace, 

Shine  brightest  in  thy  book. 

There  are  my  choicest  treasures  hid  ; 

Here  my  best  comfort  lies  ; 
Here  my  desires  are  satisfied, 

And  hence  my  hopes  arise. 

Lord,  make  me  understand  thy  law, 
Shew  what  my  thoughts  have  been, 

And  from  thy  gospel  let  me  draw 
Pardon  for  all  my  sin. 

Here  would  I  learn  how  Christ  had  died 
To  save  my  soul  from  hell : 

Not  all  the  books  on  earth  beside, 
Such  heavenly  wonders  tell. 

Then  let  me  love  my  Bible  more, 

And  take  a  fresh  delight 
By  day  to  read  these  wonders  o'er, 

And  meditate  by  night. — Amen. 


OF    DEVOTION.  69 

71.  Against  Swearing  and  Cursing.      Watts. 

O  Lord  !  how  wicked  children  dare 
Abuse  thy  dreadful,  glorious  name  ! 

And  when  they're  angry,  how  they  swear, 
And  curse  their  playmates  and  blaspheme. 

How  will  they  stand  before  thy  face, 
Who  treated  thee  with  such  disdain, 

While  thou  shalt  doom  them  to  the  place 
Of  everlasting  fire  and  pain  ? 

There  never  shall  one  cooling  drop 

To  quench  their  burning  tongues  be  given ; 

But  I  will  praise  thee  here,  and  hope 
Thus  to  employ  my  tongue  in  heaven. 

My  heart  shall  be  in  pain  to  hear 
Wretches  affront  the  Lord  above ; 

'Tis  that  great  God  whose  power  I  fear, 
That  Heavenly  Father  whom  I  love. 

My  God,  I  hate  to  walk  or  dwell 
With  the  profane  or  wicked  here ; 

Then  let  me  not  be  sent  to  hell, 

Where  none  but  graceless  sinners  are. 

Amen, 


72.  Against  Lying.     Watts. 

Lord  !  'tis  a  lovely  thing  for  youth, 
To  walk  betimes  in  wisdom's  way  ; 


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To  fear  a  lie,  to  speak  the  truth, 
That  all  may  trust  to  what  they  say. 

But  liars  we  can  never  trust, 

Though  they  should  speak  the  thing  that's  true; 
And  he,  who  does  one  fault  at  first, 

And  lies  to  hide  it,  makes  it  two. 

Lord,  in  thy  word  it  may  be  read, 

How  thou  dost  hate  deceit  and  wrong ; 

How  Ananias  was  struck  dead, 
Caught  with  a  lie  upon  his  tongue. 

God  loves  all  those  that  speak  the  truth, 

But  hates  the  way  of  every  liar, 
Whose  portion  shall  be  in  the  lake, 

That  burns  with  brimstone  and  with  fire. 

Then  let  me  always  watch  my  lips, 

Lest  I  be  struck  to  death  and  hell ; 
Since  God  a  book  of  reck'ning  keeps 

For  ev'ry  lie  that  children  tell. — Amen. 


73.       Pleading  for  Mercy.     Selected. 

When  at  thy  footstool,  Lord,  I  bend, 
And  plead  with  thee  for  mercy  there ; 

Think  of  the  sinner's  dying  friend, 
And  for  his  sake  receive  my  prayer. 


OF    DEVOTION.  71 

0  think  not  of  my  shame  and  guilt, 
My  thousand  stains  of  deepest  dye ; 

Think  of  the  blood  which  Jesus  spilt, 
And  let  that  blood  my  pardon  buy. 

O  think  upon  thy  holy  word, 

And  ev'ry  precious  promise  there ; 

How  prayer  should  evermore  be  heard, 
And  how  thy  glory  'tis  to  spare. 

Remember  not  my  doubts  and  fears, 
My  strivings  with  thy  grace  divine; 

Think  upon  Jesus'  woes  and  tears, 

And  let  his  merits  stand  for  mine. — Amen. 


74.  God  our  Heavenly  Father.     Selected. 

Great  God  !  and  wilt  thou  be  so  kind, 
The  comfort  of  a  child  to  mind  ? 
I,  a  poor  child,  and  thou  so  high, 
The  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  and  sky  ? 

Art  thou  my  Father  ?  Canst  thou  hear 
My  feeble  and  imperfect  prayer ? 
Or  wilt  thou  listen  to  the  praise, 
That  such  an  one  as  I  can  raise  1 

Art  thou  my  Father  ?  let  me  be 
A  meek,  obedient  child  to  thee  ; 


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And  try  in  word,  and  deed  and  thought 
To  serve  and  please  thee  as  I  ought. 

Art  thou  my  Father  ?  I'll  depend 
Upon  the  care  of  such  a  friend ; 
And  only  wish  to  do  and  be, 
Whatever  seemeth  good  to  thee. 

Art  thou  my  Father  ?  then  at  last 
When  all  my  days  on  earth  are  past, 
0  send  and  take  me,  in  thy  love, 
To  be  thy  better  child  above. — Amen. 


75.  Prayer  to  the  Holy  Spirit.     Wesley, 

Stay,  0  insulted  Spirit,  stay, 

Though  I  have  done  thee  such  despite  , 
Cast  not  a  sinner  quite  away, 

Nor  take  thine  everlasting  flight. 

Though  I  have  most  unfaithful  been, 
And  long  in  vain  thy  grace  received  ; 

Ten  thousand  times  thy  goodness  seen, 
Ten  thousand  times  thy  goodness  grieved 

Yet,  O,  the  chief  of  sinners  spare, 
In  honor  of  my  great  High  Priest ; 

Nor  in  thy  righteous  anger  swear 
That  I  shall  never  see  thy  rest. 


OF    DEVOTION.  73 

My  weary  soul,  0  God,  release  ; 

Uphold  me  with  thy  gracious  hand  ; 
Guide  me  into  thy  perfect  peace, 

And  bring  me  to  the  promised,  land. — Amen. 


76.    A  Prayer  for  a  Convicted  Sinner. 

Lord  !  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ? 
Why  far  from  me  and  from  my  cry  ? 
I  cry  by  day  and  through  the  night, 
And  yet,  O  Lord,  thou  hearest  not. 

My  tongue  cleaves  to  my  very  jaws, 
And  to  the  dust  of  death  I'm  brought ; 
My  sins  have  compassed  me  about, 
And  guilt  like  walls  now  hems  me  round. 

Lord,  thou  didst  bring  me  in  this  world, 
And  wcrt  my  hope  from  infancy ; 
For  I  was  early  cast  on  thee, 
And  from  my  birth  thou  art  my  God. 

O,  be  not  therefore  far  from  me, 
For  trouble  comes  with  swelling  waves ; 
I  sink  in  the  overwhelming  flood, 
And  none  but  thee  can  help  or  save. 

O  Lord,  mv  strength,  haste  to  my  help  ; 
Save  from  the  sword  which  justice  draws  ; 
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Thy  grace,  thy  mercy  I  implore  ; 

Save  me  from  hell  and  from  despair. — Amen. 


77.  A  Penitent  pleading  fur  Pardon. —  Watts, 

Shew  pity,  Lord,  O  Lord  forgive, 
Let  a  repenting  rebel  live  ; 
Are  not  thy  mercies  large  and  free  ? 
May  not  a  sinner  trust  in  thee  ? 

0  wash  my  soul  from  every  sin, 

And  make  my  guilty  conscience  clean ; 
Here  on  my  heart  the  burden  lies, 
And  past  offences  pain  my  eyes. 

My  lips  with  shame  my  sins  confess, 
Against  thy  law,  against  thy  grace; 
Lord,  should  thy  judgment  grow  severe, 

1  am  condemned,  but  thou  art  clear. 

Should  sudden  vengeance  seize  my  breath, 
I  must  pronounce  thee  just  in  death  ; 
And  if  my  soul  were  sent  to  hell, 
Thy  righteous  law  approves  it  well. 

Yet  save  a  trembling  sinner,  Lord, 
Whose  hope  still  hovering  round  thy  word, 
Would  light  on  some  sweet  promise  there, 
Some  sure  support  against  despair. — Amen, 


OF    DEVOTION.  75 


78.      A  Prayer  for  a  Young  Convert. 

Lord  !  I'll  declare  and  praise  thy  name, 
In  congregations  of  the  saints  ; 
I'll  call  on  all  who  fear  the  Lord, 
To  bless  thee  for  thy  wond'rous  grace. 

For  thou  hast  not  despised  and  loathed 
The  sorrows  of  a  sinful  worm  ; 
Nor  hast  thou  hid  thy  face  from  me, 
For  thou  didst  hear  me  when  I  cried 

God  reached  his  arm  down  from  above, 
He  took  and  drew  me  from  the  waves  ; 
And  saved  me  from  my  numerous  sins, 
Which  in  despair  had  bound  my  soul. 

My  sins  like  floods  overwhelmed  my  soul ; 
Lost,  self-destroyed,  on  God  I  called ; 
At  once  he  raised  my  drooping  head, 
And  great  enlargement  gave  my  soul. 

Now,  Lord,  in  meetings  of  thy  saints, 
Let  me  fulfil  and  pay  my  vows  ; 
And  let  me  tell  a  faithless  world, 
That  all  who  seek  thy  face  shall  live. 

Amen, 


76 


79.     GocVs  Word  Praised.     Ps.  19.  7.  14. 

O  God  !  thy  law  converts  the  soul ; 
Thy  word  doth  make  the  simple  wise, 

Thy  statutes  are  all  right, 
The  very  heart  they  do  rejoice  ; 
And  thy  commandment  is  so  pure, 

It  lights  the  darkened  mind. 

Thy  fear,  O  God,  is  ever  clean, 
Thy  judgments,  Lord,  are  ever  true, 

And  righteous  all  of  them : 
Far  more  to  be  desired  than  gold, 
Than  honey  also  sweeter  far, 

Or  than  its  dropping  combs. 

Who  can  his  errors  understand  ? 

O  cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults, 

And  keep  me  back  from  sin  : 
O  let  not  sin  have  rule  o'er  me  ; 
Then  I'll  be  just  and  innocent, 

From  great  presumptuous  sins. 

O  Lord,  my  strength  and  my  defence, 
Thou  who  my  soul  hast  e'en  redeemed ; 

Hear  this  my  earnest  prayer. : 
O  let  the  words  my  mouth  shall  speak, 
And  all  the  thoughts  my  heart  shall  think 

Be  pleasing  in  thy  sight. — Amen. 


OF    DEVOTION.  77 

80.     A  Prayer  for  a  Young  Christian. 

To  thee,  ()  Lord,  I  cry, 
To  thee  I  trust  my  soul ; 
O  let  not  one  be  put  to  shame, 
Who  trusts  alone  in  thee. 

Let  none  that  wait    on  thee 
Be  ever  put  to  shame ; 
Lest  those  rejoice  who  break  thy  law, 
And  scorn  thee  more  and  more. 

Shew  me  thy  ways,  O  Lord, 
Teach  me  thy  holy  paths  ; 
Lead  and  instruct  me  in  thy  truth, 
For  thou  alone  art  God. 

Remember,  Lord,  thv  grace, 
Thy  wond'rous  tenderness ; 
Remember  not  my  youthful  sins, 
\or  my  iniquities. 

According  to  thy  grace, 
Remember  me  in  love  ; 
Forgive  and  keep  and  save  me,  Lord, 
For  thy  own  goodness'  sake. — Amen. 


81.  In-Dwelling  Sins. 

Lord,  my  in-dwelling  sins 
Afflict  my  very  soul  ; 


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Look  on  my  sorrows  and  my  griefs, 
And  cleanse  me  from  all  sin. 

My  passions,  Lord,  how  strong  ! 
My  thoughts  how  wild  they  rove ; 
They  tempt  me  from  thy  holy  ways, 
And  pierce  me  through  with  pain. 

O  keep  and  save  my  soul 
From  sin's  ensnaring  power ; 
O  let  me  never  bring  reproach 
On  him  who  for  me  died. 

O  let  thy  righteousness 
And  truth  preserve  me  pure ; 
That  purified  from  ev'ry  sin, 

My  soul  may  wait  on  thee. — Amen. 


82.         Self  Examination.     Ps.  26. 

Judge  me,  0  God,  have  I  not  walked 

In  ways  of  holiness  ? 
Have  I  not  trusted  in  thee,  Lord, 

And  staid  my  heart  on  thee  ? 

Examine,  prove  and  search  me,  Lord, 

0  try  my  reins  and  heart ; 
Thy  tenderness  before  me  dwells, 

And  in  thy  truth  I  walk. 


OF    DEVOTION.  79 

With  vain  dissemblers  I've  not  sat; 

Their  meetings  I  have  loathed; 
I've  shunned  the  crowds  of  sons  of  crime 

And  fixed  my  heart  on  God. 

I'll  wash  my  hands  in  innocence, 

And  to  thy  altar  come, 
That  I  may  tell,  with  voice  of  thanks, 

Thy  wond'rous  works  of  grace. 

Lord  !  since  I  greatly  love  thy  house, 
The  place  where  thou  dost  dwell ; 

0  gather  not  my  soul  with  those, 
Who  work  iniquity. — Amen. 


83.  God  our  Trust. 

Hear  us,  Lord,  in  days  of  grief, 
Be  our  refuse  and  our  shield ; 
From  thy  temple  send  us  help  ; 
Strengthen  us  from  Zion's  hill. 

All  our  ofTrin^s  call  to  mind ; 
Ev'ry  sacrifice  accept ; 
Grant  us  all  our  heart's  desire; 
Prosper  all  our  righteous  schemes 

Lord,  our  banners  now  we  raise  ■ 
We  rejoice  in  thy  great  name  ; 


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Thy  salvatijn  is  our  boast ; 
O  fulfil  our  earnest  prayer. 

Now  I  know  that  God  will  save 
All  that  truly  wait  on  him  ; 
He  will  hear  them  when  they  pray, 
And  will  save  them  with  his  arm. 

Some  in  chariots  vainly  trust ; 
Some  in  horses  put  their  boast ; 
But  the  name  of  God,  our  Lord, 
We  will  call  to  mind  and  trust. 

Then  in  safety  we  shall  stand, 
While  they  fallen  are  brought  low ; 
Save  us,  Lord,  when  thee  we  trust ; 
Hear  us  when  on  thee  we  call. — Amen. 


84.  Desire,  Despondency  and  Hope.     Ps.  42 

As  pants  the  hart  for  water  brooks, 
So  pants  my  soul  for  thee,  0  God ; 
My  soul  doth  ever  thirst  for  thee, 
When  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord  ? 

O  God,  my  soul  is  much  cast  down, 
Oppressed  I  therefore  turn  to  thee  ; 
Deep  calls  to  deep,  a  cataract, 
Lord,  all  thy  billows  dash  o'er  me. 


OF    DEVOTION.  #1 

Yet  thou  wilt  speak  my  love  by  day, 
And  in  the  night  I'll  sing  thy  praise, 
And  I  will  also  seek  thy  face, 
And  spread  my  prayer  before  thy  throne 

I'll  say  unto  the  Lord  my  Rock, 
O  why  hast  thou  forgotten  me  ? 
Why  am  I  daily  filled  with  grief, 
For  the  oppression  of  the  foe. 

As  with  a  sword  pierced  through  my  bones, 

My  enemies  my  soul  reproach, 

While  they  say  daily  unto  me, 

Where  is  thy  God  ?     Where  is  thy  God  ? 

O  why  art  thou  cast  down  my  soul  ? 
O  why  disquieted  in  me  ? 
Hope  thou  in  God,  whom  yet  I'll  praise, 
Who  is  my  joy,  my  help,  my  God. 


85.  The  Adversary.     Ps.  43. 

Judge  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause 
Against  my  pow'rful  enemy  ; 
O  save  me  from  the  iron  grasp 
Of  the  deceitful,  tempting  foe. 

Lord  !  art  thou  not  my  rock  and  strength  ? 
O  why  then  hast  thou  cast  me  off? 


82 


Why  am  I  daily  filled  with  grief, 
For  the  temptation  of  the  foe  ? 

0  send  out  now  thy  light  and  truth, 

To  lead  me  to  thy  holy  hill : 

Then  to  thy  altar  I  will  go, 

And  with  my  heart  I'll  praise  thee,  Lord. 

0  why  art  thou  cast  down  my  soul  ? 
And  why  disquieted  in  me  ? 
Hope  thou  in  God,  whom  yet  I'll  praise, 
Who  is  my  joy,  my  help,  my  God.— Amen, 


86.  Thirsting  after  God, 

0  God  of  love  appear  ! 
Dispel  each  gloomy  fear ; 

Thy  saving  grace  to  me  impart, 
And  with  salvation  fill  my  heart. 

1  hunger  for  thy  grace, 
I  thirst  to  see  thy  face  ; 

Now  to  my  thirsting  soul  reveal, 
Joys  pure  and  sweet  as  angels  feel. 

Fill  me  with  faith  and  love  ; 

Fix  all  my  thoughts  above  ; 
Then,  Lord,  thy  grace  I  can  proclaim, 
And  spread  abroad  a  Saviour's  name. 

Amen. 


OF    DEVOTION.  S3 

87.  Evening  and  Morning. 

O  Lord  !  the  day  has  swiftly  tied, 
And  sunk  into  the  grave  of  night, 

Whose  darkness  soon  will  be  illumined, 
And  glorious  shine  with  morning  light. 

So  when  my  life  has  swiftly  past, 
And  borne  my  body  to  the  tomb  ; 

0  may  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 

The  darkness  of  my  grave  illume. — Amen. 


88.     Humility,  Vanity  and  Mortality. 
Ps.   39.  4—13. 

Lord,  make  me  wisely  know  my  end, 
The  measure  of  my  days,  what  'tis, 

That  I  may  know  I'm  frail. 
Behold,  my  days  are  made  a  span ; 
My  age  is  nothing  in  thv  sight ; 

All  men  are  vanity. 

And  now,  0  Lord,  what  wait  I  for  ? 
My  hope  I  fix  in  thee  alone  ; 

O  save  me  from  my  sin  ; 
O  make  me  not  the  scorn  of  fools  : 
Lord,  T  was  dumb,  I  did  not  speak, 

For  thou  didst  strike  the  blow. 


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Remove  thy  stroke  away  from  me  ; 
I  am  consumed  with  thy  rebuke, 

And  thy  afflictive  hand  : 
When  thou  correctest  man  for  sin, 
Thou  mak'st  his  beauty,  like  a  moth, 

Consume  and  melt  away. 

Lord  !  hear  my  prayer,  my  earnest  cry  ; 
Hold  not  thy  peace  at  my  hot  tears, 

For  I'm  a  stranger  here  : 
Spare  me,  O  Lord,  and  let  me  live  ; 
Ere  I  go  hence  and  be  no  more, 

Let  me  my  strength  regain. — Amen. 


89.  Prayer  for  a  sick  Person. 

0  Lord  !  rebuke  me  not  in  wrath, 
Nor  chasten  me  in  thy  fierce  wrath  : 
I'm  weak  ;  have  mercy  on  me,  Lord, 
My  bones  are  vexed,  0  spare  my  life. 

My  soul  is  vexed,  how  long,  OLord .; 
Return  and  save  me  from  the  grave  : 
From  the  dark  pit  redeem  my  soul, 
And  save  it  for  thy  mercies'  sake. 

In  death  shall  we  remember  thee  ? 

Or  give  thee  thanks  when  in  the  grave  ? 


OF    DEVOTION.  85 

I'm  weary  with  my  groans  and  pains  ; 
Disease  has  marked  me  for  his  prey. 

O  Lord,  my  God  in  thee  I  trust ; 
Deliver  me  from  dire  disease, 
Which  lion-like  will  tear  my  soul, 
Should  no  Deliverer  appear. — Amen. 


90.  Recovery  from  Sickness. 

0  Lord,  my  God,  I  cried  to  thee, 

And  thou  hast  healed,  and  raised  me  up, 
And  saved  me  from  the  grave  ; 

1  will  extol  and  praise  thee,  Lord, 

For  thou  hast  brought  me  from  the  grave, 
And  health  poured  through  my  veins. 

In  my  prosperity,  I  said, 

The  Lord  has  made  my  mountain  strong, 

I  never  shall  be  moved : 
But  when  thy  face  was  turned  from  me, 
And  sickness  crept  upon  my  frame, 

I  cried  in  great  despair. 

What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood  ? 
When  I  shall  sink  into  the  grave, 

Shall  dust  e'er  praise  thy  name  ? 
Shall  dust  declare  thy  truth  and  grace  ? 
Heal,  Lord,  have  mercy  on  my  soul ; 

O  haste  to  my  relief. 
% 


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Then  thou  didst  turn  my  grief  to  joy ; 
My  sackcloth  thou  hast  taken  off, 

And  girded  me  with  health : 
Now  let  me  ever  give  thee  thanks 
That  this  weak  tongue  may  speak  thy  praise, 

And  is  not  still  in  death. — Amen. 


9 1 .  Thanks  for  Deliverance. 

Now  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
For  he  hath  heard  my  prayer ; 
God  is  my  strength,  and  shield,  and  trust, 
My  great  deliverer. 

God  sent  me  instant  help 
When  I  did  trust  in  him  ; 
Therefore,  my  heart  exults  with  joy5 
And  burns  to  speak  his  praise. 

God  is  his  people's  strength, 
His  chosen's  saving  strength : 
Save,  Lord,  and  bless  thy  heritage ; 
Feed  them  and  lift  them  up. 


92.  Prayer  Answered. 

O  God,  my  heart  shall  greatly  joy 
In  thy  salvation  and  thy  strength  ; 


OF    DEVOTION.  87 

For  thou  hast  heard  my  earnest  prayer, 
And  given  me  my  heart's  desire. 

Thou,  Lord,  hast  blest  me  in  thy  love, 
And  made  me  joyful  in  thy  smiles ; 
And  though  the  grace  of  the  Most  High, 
I  never  shall  be  moved  from  thee. 


93.  Waiting  on  God. 

Hear,  Lord,  my  cry,  O  answer  me, 

Have  mercy  on  my  soul ; 
For  when  thou  saidst,  "  seek  ye  my  face," 

My  heart  at  once  obeyed. 

Hide  not  thy  face  now  far  from  me  ; 

Turn  not  thy  servant  off; 
Thou  art  my  help,  O  leave  me  not ; 

Forsake  me  not,  0  God. 

Sure  when  my  father  leaves  his  child, 

And  when  my  mother  fails, 
Then  thou,  0  God,  wilt  take  me  up, 

And  own  me  for  thy  child. 

I'd  fainted,  had  I  not  believed 

To  see  thy  goodness,  Lord, 
E'en  in  the  land  of  those  who  live, 

When  grief  my  soul  o'erwhelmed. 


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Wait  on  the  Lord ;  he  nerves  the  heart 
That  humbly  waits  on  him  : 

Give  courage,  Lord,  increase  my  faith, 
That  I  may  wait  on  thee. — Amen. 


94.        Walking  with  God.     Cowper. 

0  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 
A  calm  and  heavenly  frame ; 

A  light  to  shine  upon  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb. 

Where  is  the  blessedness  I  knew, 
When  first  I  saw  the  Lord  ? 

Where  is  the  soul  refreshing  view, 
Of  Jesus  and  his  word. 

What  peaceful  hours  I  once  enjoyed ! 

How  sweet  their  mem'ry  still ! 
But  they  have  left  an  aching  void, 

The  world  can  never  fill. 

Return,  0  Holy  Dove,  return, 
Sweet  messenger  of  rest ; 

1  hate  the  sins  that  made  thee  mourn, 

And  drove  thee  from  my  breast. 

The  dearest  idol  I  have  known, 
Whate'er  that  idol  be, 


OF    DEVOTION.  89 

Help  me  to  tear  it  from  thy  throne, 
And  worship  only  thee. 

So  shall  my  walk  be  close  with  God, 

Calm  and  serene  my  frame  ; 
So  purer  light  shall  mark  the  road 

That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb. — Amen. 


95.  Death  of  a  Pious  Mother.     Selected. 

The  bosom,  Lord,  where  oft  I've  lain, 
And  slept  my  infant  hours  away, 

Will  never  beat  for  me  again  ! 

For  it  lies  dead  and  wrapt  in  clay. 

Lord,  many  were  the  silent  prayers 
My  mother  offered  up  for  me ; 

And  many  were  her  bitter  cares, 

Which  none  but  God  beside  could  see. 

Well,  she  is  gone  ;  and  now  in  heaven, 
She  sings  his  praise,  who  died  for  her ; 

And  to  her  hand  a  harp  is  given, 
And  she's  a  heavenly  worshipper. 

Lord  !  make  me  think  of  all  she  said, 
And  all  the  kind  advice  she  gave  ; 

And  make  me  do  it,  now  she's  dead, 
And  sleeping  in  her  lowly  grave. 
8* 


90 


And  make  me  choose  the  path  she  chose, 
That  her  I  soon  again  may  see, 

Beyond  this  world  of  sin  and  woes, 
With  Jesus  in  eternity. — Amen. 


96.  The  Orphan.     Selected. 

Whither  but  to  thee,  O  Lord, 

Shall  a  little  orphan  go  ? 
Thou  alone  canst  speak  the  word, 

Thou  canst  dry  my  tears  of  woe. 
Father  !  may  my  lips  once  more 

Whisper  that  beloved  name  ? 
Helpless,  guiltv,  friendless,  poor, 

Let  me  thy  protection  claim. 

0  my  father,  may  I  tell 

All  my  wants  and  woes  to  thee  ? 
Ev'ry  want  thou  knowest  well, 

Ev'ry  woe  thine  eye  can  see. 
'Twas  thy  hand  that  took  away 

Father,  mother  from  my  sight  ; 
Him  that  was  my  infant  stay, 

Her  that  watched  me  day  and  night. 

Yet  I  bless  thee,  for  I  know 

Thou  hast  wounded  me  in  love  ; 

Weaned  my  heart  from  things  below, 
That  it  might  aspire  above. 


OF    DEVOTION.  01 

Here  I  tarry  for  a  while  ; 

Saviour,  keep  me  near  thy  side  ; 
Cheer  my  journey  with  thy  smile  ; 

Be  my  Father,  Friend  and  Guide. — Amen, 


97.      The  Orphan's  Prayer.     Selected. 

O  thou  !  the  helpless  orphan's  hope, 
To  whom  alone  my  eyes  look  up, 

In  each  distressing  day  : 
Father !  for  that's  the  sweetest  name, 
That  e'er  these  lips  were  taught  to  frame, 

Instruct  this  heart  to  pray. 

Low  in  the  dust  my  parents  lie, 
And  no  attentive  ear  is  nigh, 

But  thine  to  mark  my  woe  : 
No  hand  to  wipe  away  my  tears, 
No  gentle  voice  to  soothe  my  fears, 

Remains  to  me  below. 

And  if  thy  wisdom  should  decree 
An  early  sepulchre  for  me, 

Father  !  thy  will  be  done  : 
On  thy  dear  mercy  I  relv  ; 
And  if  I  live,  or  if  I  die, 

0  leave  me  not  alone. — Amen. 


92  youth's  book 


98.  Address.     Ps.  34.  11—22. 

0  come,  ye  children,  list  to  me, 
And  I'll  teach  you  the  fear  of  God, 

The  ways  of  righteousness  : 
Which  one  of  you  desireth  lifer 
And  wishes  many  days  to  see, 

That  you  may  see  good  things  ? 

From  slander  ever  keep  thy  tongue  , 
And  keep  thy  lips  from  speaking  guile ; 

Forsake  and  flee  all  sin  : 
Nay  more  ;  do  good  with  cheerfulness  ; 
Seek  peace  and  follow  it  in  love, 

To  all  the  sons  of  men. 

The  eyes  of  God  are  on  his  saints, 
His  ears  are  open  to  their  cry, 

He  bottles  all  their  tears  ; 
But  he  hath  set  his  face  against 
The  workers  of  iniquity, 

To  cut  them  from  the  earth. 

God  hears  the  righteous  when  they  cry, 
And  saves  them  out  of  deep  distress 

When  of  a  broken  heart : 
The  contrite  heart  he  fills  with  peace ; 
And  from  affliction's  iron  folds 

Delivers  all  the  meek. 


OF    DEVOTION.  93 

God  keeps  their  bones,  not  one  is  broke  : 
But  wrath  shall  smite  th'  impenitent, 

And  make  them  desolate. 
The  Lord  redeems  his  servants'  souls  ; 
And  none  of  them,  who  trust  in  him, 

Shall  be  made  desolate. 


99.        Christian  Character,     Ps.  15. 

Lord  !  who  shall  in  thy  temple  dwell  ? 
Who  on  thy  holy  hill  abide  ? 
The  man  who  walks  in  thy  pure  law, 
"Who  does  and  speaks  the  truth  from  choice. 

He  does  not  slander  with  his  tongue, 
V  i  love  to  do  his  neighbour  wrong ; 
Nor  does  he  pick  up  a  reproach, 
And  roll  it  to  his  neighbour's  hurt. 

A  wicked  person  he  contemns, 
But  honours  them  that  fear  the  Lord  ; 
Nor  does  he  change  or  break  his  vows, 
E'en  when  he  vows  to  his  own  hurt. 

He  does  not  uripe  with  usury, 
Nor  take  a  bribe  to  wrong  the  just. 
This  man  shall  in  thy  temple  dwell, 
And  on  thy  holy  hill  abr 


94  youth's  book 

100.   The  Excellence  and  Condescension 
of  God.     Ps.  8. 

O  Lord  !   how  excellent  thy  name  ! 
Thy  glory  towers  above  the  heavens  ; 
Who  from  weak  babes  ordainest  strength, 
To  silence  and  subdue  thy  foes. 

When  I  survey  the  heavens,  thy  work, 
The  moon  and  stars  ordained  by  thee, 
O'erwhelmed  I  ask,  Lord,  what  is  man, 
That  thou  dost  watch  or  visit  him  ? 

Thou  gavest  him  a  noble  birth, 
And  next  to  angels  hast  him  made  ; 
Thou  mad'st  him  lord  of  all  thy  works, 
And  put  all  things  beneath  his  feet. 

All  sheep  and  oxen  and  wild  beasts, 
The  fowl  of  heaven  and  fish  of  sea  ; 
Lord  !  while  I  live  let  me  adore 
Thy  name,  so  great  and  excellent. — Amen. 


101.     Mercy  of  God.     Ps.  36.  5— 10. 

Thy  mercy,  Lord,  doth  reach  to  heaven, 
Thy  faithfulness  above  the  clouds  ; 
Thy  righteousness  is  like  the  hills  ; 
Thy  judgments  like  the  mighty  sea. 


OF    DEVOTION.  95 

Preserver  of  both  man  and  beast ; 
How  excellent  thy  tenderness  ! 
Therefore  beneath  thy  shadowing  wings, 
The  sons  of  men  will  put  their  trust. 

They  shall  be  fed  and  satisfied 

With  the  abundance  of  thy  house  ; 

And  of  the  river  of  thy  joy, 

Their  souls  shall  drink  with  great  delight. 

With  thee,  O  God,  are  all  life's  springs, 
And  in  thy  light  we  shall  see  light ; 
Continue  thy  great  tenderness, 
Thy  wond'rous  mercy  unto  us. — Amen. 


102.  Justice  of  God. 

Arise,  0  Lord,  lift  up  thyself; 
Let  all  now  see  thee  on  thy  throne  ; 
So  shall  thy  people  praise  thy  name, 
When  for  their  sakes  thou  silt'st  on  high. 

The  Lord  shall  judge  his  saints  in  love  ; 
He  hath  prepared  his  judgment  throne  ; 
And  he  shall  judge  the  world  in  truth, 
And  mete  out  justice  to  his  saints 

God  is  a  refuge  for  th'  oppressed, 
In  times  of  trouble  and  distress  ; 


96  youth's  book 

And  all  that  love  and  trust  in  him, 
He  never  will  nor  can  forsake. 

The  Lord  will  judge  the  fatherless, 
And  all  that  do  their  neighbour  wrong ; 
The  wicked  he  condemns  to  hell ; 
And  they  shall  feel  their  sentence  just. 

Rise,  Lord,  let  not  the  vile  prevail ; 

O  judge  the  wicked  in  thy  truth ; 

Put  them  in  fear,  that  they  may  know 

And  feel  themselves  to  be  bat  men. — Amen, 


103.  Power  of  God. 

Great  is  thy  power,  0  God  ! 
Who  can  its  wonders  tell  ? 
The  universe  thy  arm  upholds  ; 
All  heaven  and  earth  and  hell. 

Thou  spak'st  and  num'rous  worlds, 
At  once  from  nothing  sprang  ; 
This  world — all  worlds,  thus  made  by  thee, 
Thou  didst  on  nothing  hang. 

Thou  dost  exalt  the  meek  ; 
The  proud  thou  bringest  low  ; 
No  one,  no  power  can  stay  thy  arm, 
Or  ask  why  dost  thou  so  ? 


OF   DEVOTION.  •       97 

All  power  to  thee  belongs  ; 
All  things  hang  on  thy  will ; 
The  waves — the  winds — the  rage  of  men, 
Thy  word  at  once  can  still. 

Thy  power  is  felt  and  seen 
In  earth  and  sea  and  air  ; 
Felt  in  the  life  and  energy, 
By  which  all  live  and  are. 

Seen  in  the  springing  grain, 
In  the  expanding  trees  ; 
And  seen  in  changing  nature's  face, 
And  in  night's  starry  spheres. 

God  gives  his  people  strength ; 
He  is  the  source  of  pow*er  ; 
0  let  me  not  provoke  that  God, 

By  whom  we  move  and  are. — Amen. 


104.   The   Omnipresence  and  Omniscience 
of  God.     Ps.   139. 

Lord  !  thou  hast  searched  and  known  my  heart ; 
Thou  knowest  when  I  sit  or  rise, 

And  my  most  secret  thoughts  ; 
Thou  compas<est  my  very  path ; 
Thou  knowest  every  word  I  speak, 

And  markeat  all  my  ways. 
9 


98  youth's  book 

0  God  !  thou  dost  me  quite  surround ; 
Behind,  before,  on  either  side, 

I  live  and  move  in  thee  : 
Thy  very  hand  is  on  me  placed ; 
Such  knowledge  is  too  deep  for  me, 

I  cannot  fathom  it. 

Lord  !  whither  from  thee  shall  I  go  ? 

To  heaven  ?     To  hell  ?     Lord,  thou  art  there  ! 

Where  from  thee  can  I  flee  ? 
Lord  !  should  T  take  the  wings  of  morn, 
And  ever  fly  with  speed  of  light, 

I  could  not  flee  thy  hand  ' 

And  should  I  say,  night  hides  from  God ! 
Darkness  and  light  are  one  to  thee  ; 

Night  shineth  as  the  day. 
Search  me,  0  God,  and  know  my  heart, 
Try  me  and  know  my  inmost  thoughts ; 

Lead  me  in  ways  of  life. — Amen. 


105.        Eternity  of  God.     Ps.  102. 

Lord  !  hear  my  prayer ;  hide  not  thy  face  ; 
My  days  consume  away  like  smoke; 
I  wither  like  the  short  lived  grass, 
And  to  the  dust  I  swiftly  haste. 


OF    DEVOTION.  99 

But  thou  forever  slialt  endure  ; 
Thy  mem'ry  to  the  end  of  time  ; 
Throughout  all  ages  arc  thy  years ; 
"Who  art,  and  Wast,  and  art  to  come. 

Of  old  thou  laid'st  the  hills  of  earth, 
And  with  thy  hand  spread  out  the  heavens ; 
At  thy  command  the  earth  stood  fast, 
And  worlds  and  suns  in  glory  moved  ! 

The  heavens  shall  waste,  but  thou  shalt  live  ■ 
Like  garments  they  shall  all  wear  out ; 
Like  as  a  robe  thou  shalt  them  change ; 
Worn  out,  they  shall  be  cast  aside. 

But  thou  art  still  the  same,  0  God; 
Thy  years  for  ever  shall  endure  ; 
Unchangeable,  thou  art  the  same, 
When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

Amen. 


THE  CHURCH  SAFE. 


The  Church  will  ever  stand,  earth's  peerless  pride, 
Heaven's  constant,  wakeful  care.     When  suns  shall  hide 
Their  golden  heads  in  night,  and  cease  to  rise, 
When  Ruin,  like  a  demon,  through  the  skies, 
Repealing  Order's  laws,  shall  madly  rave, 
And  hoary  Time  expire  on  Nature's  grave, 
Then  shall  the  Church,  secure  as  heaven's  high  King, 
Her  beaming  glories  show,  her  mighty  triumphs  sing. 

Who  doubts  her  future  triumph  ? — Let  him  go 
And  read,  in  ages  past,  the  overthrow 
Of  all  who  dar'd  to  prove  themselves  her  foes : — 
Read  how  Omnipotence  in  wrath  arose, 
And  on  their  guilty  heads  dire  vengeance  hurl'd. 
If,  while  an  infant,  grappling  with  the  world, 
She  humbled  at  her  feet  its  pride  and  power, 
Who  doubts  the  safe  result  of  each  succeeding  war  ? 

Where  are  her  foes  who  lived  before  the  flood  ? 
Speak,  rolling  ocean,  that  o'erwhelm'd  the  world  ! 
And  heaven's  high  windows,  that  then  open'd  wide, 
And  pour'd  a  deluge  on  the  sons  of  Pride  ! — 
Where  is  Sodoma,  who,  in  olden  time, 
Sore  vexed  the  Church,  and  wedded  loathsome  crime  ? 
Speak,  fire  from  heaven !  that  dashing  on  her  head, 
Swift  as  the  light'ning  sunk  her  to  the  dead  ! 
And  thou,  Asphaltites,  with  putrid,  with'ring  wave, 
Speak !  as  thou  roli'st  thy  sea  of  gall  athwart  her  grave. 
9* 


102  THE    CHURCH    SAFE. 

Where  is  proud  Pharoah  and  his  haughty  host, 
Who  sought  to  waste  the  Church, with  impious  boast  ? 
Sing,  Miriam  ;  sing,  the  mountain  waves, 
That  lash'd  and  whelm'd  them  deep  in  wat'ry  graves ! 
Proud  Egypt  sank  like  lead  no  more  to  rise, 
Till  the  last  trump  breaks  from  the  vaulted  skies  ! 
Where  are  her  other  foes  who've  spilt  her  blood  ? 
Swept  root  and  branch  away  by  Time's  resistless  flood. 

Where  is  Voltaire,  that  with'ring  pest  of  France, 
Who  made  the  universe  the  brat  of  chance  ? 
Say,  did  he  "  crush  the  wretch,"  and  turn  "  the  knave," 
Out  of  all  hearts  into  oblivion's  grave  ? 
Go  to  his  death-bed.     See  how  fell  despair 
Sits  on  his  brow,  and  reigns  a  conqu'ror  there. 
What !  does  he  call  for  mercy  on  that  Name 
He  strove  to  wrap  in  infamy  and  shame  ? 
Where  are  his  props  ?  Ah,  why  that  piercing  cry  ? 
The  sceptic's  props  are  sand — They  fail  when  death  draws  nigh. 

The  Church  is  safe  :  she  has  a  friend  on  high, 
Who  guards  her  int'rests  with  a  sleepless  eye. 
He  spake  !  and  worlds  and  suns  harmonious  roll'd  ; 
All  heaven  and  earth  his  bounding  arms  uphold. 
His  word  is  pledged  to  make  her  fill  the  earth 
With  love  and  peace,  and  righteousness  and  truth  ; — 
Upon  her  foes  eternal  wrath  to  fling, 
While  she,  in  victor's  robes,  their  overthrow  shall  sing. 

'Twas  he  who  broke  the  fountains  of  the  deep, 
And  piled  above  the  world  a  wat'ry  heap ; 
While  on  the  waves  the  ark  securely  rode, 
The  Church's  casket,  guided  by  her  God. 
'Twas  He  who  overthrew  with  direful  rain, 
The  guilty  cities  of  Sodoma's  plain : — 
That  buried  Egypt's  pride  beneath  the  flood, 
While  on  the  roaring  waves  in  awful  wrath  he  stood. 


THE    CHURCH    SAFE.  103 

Cease  then  vain  world  ;  renounce  thy  empty  hope. 
Thou  canst  not  waste  the  Church — her  progress  stopt; 
Moved  by  that  arm  that  moves  the  rolling  spheres, 
Onward  she'll  roll  through  all  succeeding  years. 
The  glory  of  the  world  to  her  will  come, 
And  in  her  soft  embrace  she'll  bear  them  home. 
Home  to  that  rest  where  peace  immortal  reigns, 
Where  sweetest  love  is  sung  in  pure  seraphic  strains. 

Out  with  thine  arm,  O  world,  and  from  their  seat, 
Pluck  down  the  stars  and  strew  them  at  thy  feet ; 
With  heavy  breath  blow  out  the  lamp  of  day, 
And  clog  the  wheels  of  nature  to  their  stay ; 
Make  springing  vegetation  cease  to  rise, 
And  heavy  gravitation  seek  the  skies; 
Command  from  graves  the  crumbling  dead  to  walk, 
And  at  thy  feet,  stern  Death,  in  chains  to  stalk. 

Canst  thou  not  e'en  do  this  ? — and  dost  thou  hope 
To  waste  the  church — with  arm  of  heaven  to  cope? 
Thou  canst  not  e'en  a  mote  annihilate, 
And  dost  thou  dream  that  in  thy  present  state, 
Thou  canst  expunge  the  apple  of  that  eve, 
That  beams  a  sun  through  vast  immensity  ? 
All  hail,  puissant  world,  of  fools  wear  thou  the  crown, 
The  Power  that  rules  the  heavens  laughs  at  thy  strength  in  scorn. 

The  Church  is  safe  ;  Jehovah's  bride  she'll  move, 
Deck'd  with  sweet  robes  of  everlasting  love. 
I  see  her,  beaming  with  immortal  light, 
Rise  like  a  sun  on  rtalms  of  Pagan  night. 
Before  her  idols  fall,  and  Error  flies, 
And  at  her  glance  pale  Superstition  dies. 
Sin  from  his  tyrant  throne  is  headlong  hurl'd, 
4jid  bound  in  massive  chains  lies  prostrate  o'er  the  world. 

I  see  her  foes  in  awful  thunders  driven, 
Accursed  and  flaming  from  the  throne  of  heaven. 


104 


THE    CHURCH    SAFE. 


Hell  on  her  sulph'rous  fires,  and  scorpion  pains, 
Binds  them  in  wrath  with  adamantine  chains  ! 
Guilt  gnaws  their  souls — the  never-dying  worm  ! 
Heaven  pours  upon  them  the  eternal  storm  ! 
Lo,  Hope  abandons  them  to  fell  Despair ; 
And  Night  and  Sin  and  Death — torment  and  crush  them  therb- 


INDEX 


Ah  !  I  begin  to  feel 

Ah  !  whither  look  for  help     (Part  4.) 

Ah  !  whither  shall  I  fly     (Part  2.) 

Almighty  God  thy  piercing  eye 

Another  day  its  course  has  run 

Arise,  O  Lord,  lift  up  thyself 

As  pants  the  hart  fur  water  brooks 


23 
23 
23 
61 
51 
102 
84 


Could  I,  Lord,  so  wicked  be 


38 


Dear  child,  would'st  see  the  Saviour's  face 
Dear  child  the  God  who  reigns  above 
Dread  Sovereign  let  my  evening  prayer 


SI 
59 


Father  who  art  in  heaven 

Father  in  heaven  !   thou  hast  now  brought 

Father  into  thy  hands  I  lay 

Father  of  heaven  !  in  mercy  take 

Father  of  heaven  !  with  the  light 


5 

47 
4.5 


God  of  grace,  to  thee  I  pray 
God  of  my  righteousness,  O  hear, 
God  over  all  for  ever  blest 


13 


106 


INDEX 


Great  God  and  wilt  thou  be  so  kind 
Great  God  to  thee  my  voice  I  raise 
Great  God  with  wonder  and  with  praise 
Great  is  thy  power  O  God 


Have  I  a  haughty  heart 

Hear,  Lord,  my  cry, 

Hear  us  Lord,  in  days  of  grief 

Heavenly  Father  I  am  I  ill 

Heavenly  Father  grant  thy  blessing 

Heavenly  Father,  thou  hast  kept 

Heavenly  Father  like  a  bird 


I  thank  the  Lord  who  lives  on  high    . 
Indulgent  Father  by  whose  care, 

Jesus  Saviour  Son  of  God 

Jesus  Shepherd  please  to  watch  us 

Jesus  see  a  little  child 

Judge  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause 

Judge  me,  O  God,  have  I  not  walked. 


Let  my  sister  live  before  thee 

Let  my  sisters  live  before  thee     . 

Little  child  do  not  complain 

Little  schoolmates  can  you  tell, 

Lord,  children  to  thee  came 

Lord  from  6leep  I  now  awake 

Lord  hear  my  prayer  hide  not  thy  face 

Lord  how  my  enemies  increase 

Lord  how  my  childhood  runs  to  wast 

Lord  I  am  an  orphan  child 

Lord  I  ascribe  it  to  thy  grace 

Lord  I  confess  with  shame 

Lord  I'll  declare  and  praise  thy  name 


INDEX. 


107 


Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 
Lord 


I  would  come  to  thee 

like  the  sun  would  I  fulfil 

make  me  wisely  know  my  end 

my  in-dwelling  sins 

oft  I  say  my  prayers 

teach  a  little  child  to  pray 

teach  a  sinful  child  to  pray 

'tis  a  lovely  tiling  for  youth     . 

thou  hast  proved  and  tried  my  heart 

thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray 

thou  hast  searched  and  known  my  heart 

who  shall  in  thy  temple  dwell 

why  hast  thou  forsaken  me 


Many  thanks  I  give  thee,  Lord 

My  conscious  guilt  is  now  so  great     . 

My  heavenly  Father  I  confess 

Now  blessed  be  the  Lord 
Now  1  jay  me  down  to  sleep 

O  come  ye  children,  list  to  me 

O  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 

O  God  before  thy  throne 

O  God  I  thank  thee  that  the  night 

O  God  of  love  appear 

O  God  my  heart  shall  greatly  joy 

O  God  thy  law  converts  the  soul 

O  Lord  how  excellent  thy  name 

O  Lord  I  may  not  work  or  play 

O  Lord  how  wicked  children  dare 

O  Lord  I  raise  to  thee 

O  Lord,  my  God  I  cried  to  thee 

O  Lord  my  infant  heart 

O  Lord  my  thoughts  and  prayers     (Part  f) 

O  Lord  the  night  is  gone    . 


I  OS 


INDEX. 


O  Lord  rebuke  me  not  in  wrath 
O  Lord  the  day  has  swiftly  fled 
O  Lord  through  thy  indulgent  care 
O  thou  the  helpless  orphan's  hope, 
O  that  it  were  my  chief  delight 
O  thou  that  dwell'st  in  heaven 

Saviour  bless  my  infant  brother 
Saviour  bless  my  infant  sister 
Saviour  bless  my  much  loved  brother 
Saviour  bless  my  much  loved  brothers 
Saviour  hear  a  little  child 
Saviour  I  have  lost  my  mother 
Saviour  my  grand-parents  bless 
Saviour  now  the  day  is  o'er 
Saviour  to  thy  feet  I  fly 
Saviour  when  thou  wast  a  child 
Shew  pity,  Lord,  O  Lord  forgive     . 
Stay,  O  insulted  spirit  stay 

Teach  me  Lord  thy  name  to  know 
The  bosom  Lord,  where  oft  I've  lain 
The  church  safe      .... 
The  praises  of  my  tongue 
Through  the  watches  of  the  night 
Through  thy  blessing  on  the  day 
Thy  mercy,  Lord,  doth  reach  to  heaven 
To  thee,  O  Lord,  I  cry 

Well  I  am  now  undone     (Part  3.) 
What  is  there  Lord  a  child  can  do 
When  at  thy  footstool,  Lord,  [  bend 
When  beauty  fades  &c 
Whither  but  to  thee,  O  Lord 
Why  should  I  love  my  sport  so  well 


Yes,  I'll  to  Jesus  go     (Part  6.) 


